500 Days of Weligama: A Story of Authentic Luxury

If there’s one thing that defines the modern traveler, it’s the pursuit of authenticity. Today’s explorers—whether they are backpackers or luxury spenders—aren’t just looking for a beautiful destination; they want to feel it, live it, and immerse themselves in its essence. The true magic of travel is in experiencing a place as it really is—learning from its culture, tasting its flavors, and engaging with its people.

This insight was at the heart of 500 Days of Weligama, a travel commercial created for Marriott Resort & Spa Weligama. With Sri Lanka recently ranked as the safest country for solo female travelers, the Marriott brand team saw an opportunity to celebrate the raw, untamed beauty of the south and the kind of unforgettable experiences travelers—especially women—can have here.

A Story Close to Home

Weligama isn’t just another destination—it’s home. The early morning still-fishing scenes, the vibrant markets, the golden hour surf sessions, and the quiet magic of a sunset over the bay—these moments shaped the foundation of the script.

The storytelling was crafted with the expertise of our Director and Assistant Director, transforming lived experiences into a visual journey that would resonate with anyone watching. The goal was to make this film feel as real as the ocean breeze in Weligama.

The Raw Energy of Handheld Filmmaking

Rather than taking the traditional commercial route with big crews and heavy setups, the approach was intimate and handheld. We used natural light, minimal equipment, and trusted instinct over elaborate setups. This approach let us stay flexible, spontaneous, and completely immersed in the moment.

A huge part of this came from the bond between the Director and our Director of Photography, who shared the same vision. Instead of overthinking shots, the environment led the way—letting the camera move like a traveler, capturing details that would have otherwise been lost.

A Shoot Filled with Stories

A production like this isn’t just about the final cut—it’s about the stories behind the work. And this shoot had plenty. Every crew member went beyond their roles to ensure perfection.

One unforgettable moment? Just before the yacht scene, our Producer was tasked with bringing the ironed wardrobe to set. In the midst of the chaos, it slipped his mind. Realizing the mistake minutes before the shoot, he jumped into a tuk-tuk, rushed back, grabbed the wardrobe, and made it back just in time—no delays, no stress, just another day in the beautiful chaos of filmmaking.

The Marriott team was beyond incredible. From organising logistics and scouting perfect locations to even booking a yacht just for one sequence, their support made everything seamless. Their hospitality toward the crew was unmatched, and it’s rare to work with a client that believes in a project as much as the creative team does.

The Faces Behind the Frames

None of this would have been possible without Adithi Hettiarachchi, the film's protagonist who became an integral part of the team. Always cool, always supportive, and always up for another take if needed.

And then there was the unforgettable still-fishing scene. What was supposed to be just another aesthetic shot turned into something much more—because Adithi, against all odds, actually caught a real fish! That moment of pure surprise and joy made it into the final cut, a perfect example of how the best travel experiences are the ones you never plan for.

A Film Cut to the Rhythm of the South

To keep the energy of the shoot alive, post-production didn’t wait until the shoot was over. Our editor pieced together the story in real-time, shaping the film organically and staying true to the raw energy of Weligama.

A Journey Worth Every Frame

500 Days of Weligama is more than just a travel commercial—it’s a love letter to the south of Sri Lanka. It’s about adventure, spontaneity, and the beauty of the unexpected. And most importantly, it’s about how luxury isn’t just about comfort—it’s about experiencing a place in its purest, most unfiltered form.

We can’t wait for the world to see it.