The objects were brought to Basel at the beginning of the twentieth century by Swiss explorers – using methods that combine colonial violence and scientific aspirations in a disturbing way.
Sri Lanka had already demanded the return of some of the objects as early as the 1970s, but Switzerland refused.
Together with Uru Warige Wannila Aththo, the leader of the Wanniyala-Aetto community, Piumakshi Veda Arachchige is now trying to secure their return.
No one can tell her exactly how many stolen objects are in the collection.
She starts a debate about art restitution, asking, “How do you decolonize a museum when you don’t even know what you have in your cabinets?”
She embarks on a journey around Sri Lanka, following in the footsteps of the Sarasin brothers, and speaks with Swiss museum directors, curators, and researchers to explore multiple aspects of the debate.
Director: Gregor Brändli
The world premier will be showing at the International Leipzig Festival for Documentary and Animated Film from 27 October to 2 November 2025.
