Vacationer of the Week: Filmmaker Anna Leonti
A global traveler falls in love with Sri Lanka and makes a film about her spiritual journey in this vibrant island country. Meet Anna Leonti, whose journeys are all part of her education.
Brand strategist, journalist, and film producer Anna Leonti is a New York City-based world traveler currently promoting her picturesque documentary Realm of Paradise: A Spiritual Passage Through the Lands of Sri Lanka. The film, which Leonti wrote, produced, and presents with voiceover narration and herself as the subject, is a lush armchair journey and a stunning feast for the senses that will have you adding the South Asian island nation, formerly known as Ceylon, to your must-visit list.
Importantly, though, the film is a cross-cultural adventure that sees a European woman teaming up with talented Sri Lankan filmmaker and producer Ravindu Hanwella to produce a magnificent portrait of a truly special and historic destination.
We caught up with Leonti to learn more about her life of travel and her film project, which afforded her a spiritual journey of self-discovery.
Vacationer: At what age did you receive your first passport? What was your first trip?
Anna Leonti: I did not always need a passport to travel. My native country, Russia, is very large in size, so it was a lot to explore. My first trip was when I was just a few days old, traveling by airplane from Moscow to the Caucasian Mountains. My father used to work at a research institute there, so we were on the plane a lot with my mom before I could even remember.
Photos: Anna Leonti
What trip or travel experience sparked your passion for travel?
It was my school trip to Tallin, Estonia. It’s a very charming European city and I loved it so much that I wanted to experience every country in Europe (which I eventually did).
What inspires you to travel these days with the world in upheaval?
Traveling is my education. I always want to learn a lot from every country and culture. There is no good or bad travel experience for me—everything is unique and worth learning from.
Where do you call home, and if Vacationers were coming to visit, what are three things they absolutely must do in your town?
New York City is my home at the moment, and the experiences you can find here are not available anywhere else. Visitors absolutely must walk in Central Park—it’s full of places to explore in beautiful nature. Then I would suggest visiting the Metropolitan Opera and Lincoln Center for their world-class musical performances. And finally, to read a book at the New York Public Library. The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is absolutely the best public space in the city, in my opinion.
Photos: Anna Leonti
What are your top three favorite places in the world to visit? Why?
I would say Sri Lanka—it feels like home to me by now. Vienna, Austria, for a special museum experience, and finally, any of the Greek Islands for crystal clear water, charming buildings, and delicious Mediterranean food.
What three places are still on your bucket list to visit? Why?
I would love to explore Australia, New Zealand, and some African countries to experience nature and local culture.
What’s one thing you never forget to pack in your suitcase?
Always an extra pack. Just in case.
Photos: Ravindu Hanwella
Realm of Paradise is a beautiful film about Sri Lanka, a beautiful island country often overlooked as a destination. What was the ah-ha moment that made you realize you must make this film?
Thank you! Falling in love with Sri Lanka felt very natural—this beautiful island country is very unique with its diversity and so much to offer for everyone. Most special was for me to connect with local people and share the experience of their everyday lives together while trying to communicate in the Sinhala language and eat rice and curry with my hand. I talk about all this in the film. The director of the film, Ravindu Hanwella, filmed my adventure and edited the video in the most masterful way. Working on this film together with Ravindu was the most incredible experience in my entire life. We connected instantly as two people who have a lot in common.
Director, cinematographer and editor Ravindu Hanwella captures Anna Leonti’s journey in Realm of Paradise.
How does the average traveler get to Sri Lanka, and what are the top 5 things they must do or try?
Sri Lanka is an island country, so you can only get there by plane (with multiple connections). Things to try would be authentic food—very spicy!—taking a local train to the hill areas for the most scenic views, visiting the Buddhist temples, going to the elephant nursery at feeding hour, and, of course, enjoying the beautiful beaches.
Photos: Ravindu Hanwella
What are some things travelers must be careful to know or observe before going to Sri Lanka?
I did not think about it before I traveled to Sri Lanka and felt safe there the entire time. Being polite, respectful and generous with local people would make the experience even better.
Photos: Ravindu Hanwella
Your film is rich in knowledge with insights about the food, language (Sinhala), the origins of Buddhism, and the ancient relics that show this was a key civilization in ancient times. What is the majority religion in Sri Lanka?
There are four religions that are practiced in Sri Lanka, and each of them has a strong community: Muslim, Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist. I have close friends in Sri Lanka who practice different religions, although the majority of people are Buddhist at the moment.
What is the most pressing issue facing Sri Lanka—sociopolitical or environmental?
Environmental issues are very serious in the entire world, including Sri Lanka. I wish more could be done to educate people about life on our planet. With the recent election and the new government in Sri Lanka, the future of Sri Lanka looks very optimistic. I hope and wish the very best to all Sri Lankans.
Photos: Ravindu Hanwella
Can you comment on the state of LGBTQ rights in Sri Lanka at present?
From what I know, Sri Lankan family law does not recognize same-sex relationships and marriages. The right of gender expression for transgender people is also not supported at the moment. The LGBTQ community would massively benefit from positive changes towards progress.
Watch the HD trailer for Anna Leonti’s Realm of Paradise:
