Hello Everyone!

Ray of Hope is a deeply personal Eelam Tamil Canadian story. It is the story of one woman’s need to come to terms with her own traumatic survival of the Sri Lankan armed conflict and as she advocates to help others who have had similar experiences. Interspersed are stories of triumphs over adversity as other Eelam Tamils travel their own parallel journey toward healing.

Rathika Sitsabaiesan was the first Canadian Member of Parliament (MP) of Tamil descent. In 2013, while in office as an MP, Rathika returned to Sri Lanka for the first time.  While there, she was surveilled, followed, and traumatized.  She feared not returning home to Canada. 

There have long been conflicts between Eelam Tamils and Sri Lanka’s successive governments. The 1983 pogroms are regarded as the beginning of the government-sanctioned attacks on Tamils and Tamil sympathizers. Tamils, as well as Sinhala families that sheltered Tamils, were raped, injured, and killed.  Their businesses were looted and burned; these actions continued for a week. These dark days that started on July 24, 1983, are commemorated as Black July. 

In the decades since, freedom fighters emerged to defend the rights of the Tamils and the Tamil state. Tamil homes and traditional Tamil territories were systematically bombed by the Sri Lankan government. Tamils were killed and put into mass graves. Unfortunately, the unrest turned tragic again in 2009 when an estimated 80,000 (UN report) people perished in the conflict, and the previous Sri Lankan government received harsh criticism for war crimes committed. 

2023 marks 40 years since Black July. The effects of that struggle are still being felt today. With over 200,000 residents, Canada is home to one of the largest Tamil diasporas outside of India and Sri Lanka. In January of this year, the Canadian government-sanctioned 2 previous presidents and 2 other leaders for the crimes they committed. The international community is still demanding responsibility.

While the conflict is very political, Ray of Hope is a story about the human experience and the healing required after so many difficult decades.

In order to navigate some of the finer cultural nuances when confronting some extraordinarily difficult topics, the Ray of Hope team has teamed up with cultural consultants from within the Tamil community. Their goal is to build trust, responsibility, and understanding with the Tamil community through what may be a healing journey and the significance of giving voice to the grief through a partnership

But there is also hope in this story.  

Rathika’s story is one of triumph over adversity and bravery. Ten years ago, we were with her as she raced in cars to safety while facing unknown threats. Nevertheless, we will also see her in the present as a mother attempting to lessen the generational damage her daughter will endure.

Rathika isn’t the only subject of Ray of Hope. Our team also draws attention to other members of the community, from children of survivors seeking retribution to families who endured the conflict and narrowly escaped, avoiding near-death situations.

We have shot much of the film already and will soon have a rough cut of this important story. We are looking for partners to help us bring it to the big screen. We’ll also run an impact campaign to promote awareness and healing as the film is released.

The unrest in 2009 when an estimated 80,000 (UN report) people perished in the conflict, and the previous Sri Lankan government received harsh criticism for war crimes committed. With over 200,000 residents, Canada is home to one of the largest Tamil diasporas outside of India and Sri Lanka.

 $50k to start with the campaign and then a $50k stretch. For us to trigger public funding we have to demonstrate interest from our community. We want to not only show that there is interest but that it is a need.

We have already invested over Can $200,000 in developing this project.

Comparable films have cost USD$600k to USD$2 million to produce and deliver. Help us reach our modest goal!

We have dedicated all of our resources over the past year to making this project as authentic and socially meaningful as we can. Although we continue to look for public support, we must show the public why this narrative is significant, why it matters, and why it needs to be shared.

Tens of thousands of people were in the struggle for independence, and countless lives were lost, including over 80.000 senselessly in 2009.

Even now, 14 years after the war’s end, men and boys are still going missing. Without responsibility, this evil will go on.

It’s highly expensive to produce content. Although our team is small there are lots of stories to capture. For some people, this is the first time they are speaking publicly about their experiences.

The Canadian Media Producers Association and Riipen provided us with a modest amount of funding to help with some of the production expenditures. To cover some of the shoot days we had while researching the articles, each team member went above and above. Our manufacturing schedule has to be extended due to the changing nature of the Sri Lankan conflict.

We aim to show why our story is important while also keeping it current.

Every dollar raised will go towards completing the film and bringing the film to a wide audience.

 This movie will educate viewers on documenting history, and promote social change.

– It will also help to draw attention to how Tamil People’s human rights were violated

– It is for others to start sharing their own stories, adventures, and ways of finding healing

Our team has been telling stories about social justice and human rights for more than 15 years. We have worked on such stories as Pirate Tapes (HBO), Wanderings (PBS), Rasta: A Soul’s Journey (CityTV, OMNI), the Breadwinner (CBC), and the Black Experience Project, stories that exemplify our unflinching commitment to reporting the truth without bias. Our involvement with the Tamil community has been of significant importance. We engage collaboratively with communities to shape their own stories through the medium of film using a community-centered approach.

Lastly, we wanted to take a moment to express our deepest appreciation for your interest and support. Without individuals like you, we would not be able to bring our vision to life.

Your commitment to our mission and willingness to support our cause means the world to us. We are inspired by your generosity and dedication, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that your trust in us is well-placed.

We are excited to share our vision with you and to invite you to join us in making a difference in the world. Whether you are able to make a financial contribution, share our message with your friends and family, or simply send us a word of encouragement, we are grateful for your support.

Thank you for being a part of our community and for helping us make a positive impact in the world. We look forward to sharing updates with you as our project unfolds and to keeping you informed of our progress.