- Documentary Film Competition
Year: 2024
Length: 96 mins
Country: Canada / Sri Lanka
Language: English
Premiere: NYC Premiere
Directed by: Ryan Singh, Nikila Cole
Produced by: Ryan Singh, Patricia Scarlett
Starring: Rathika Sitsabaiesan (Subject), Sutha Shanmugarajah (Subject), Collins Perinpanayagam (Subject), Maya D’Elia (Subject)
SEE THE FILM
The 26-year Sri Lankan civil war forced countless Eelam Tamils, including former Canadian MP Rathika Sitsabaiesan, to flee abroad. Her experiences of war and displacement ignited her advocacy. In 2013, a return to Sri Lanka unearthed traumatic memories as she faced government surveillance tied to her community’s suffering. RAY OF HOPE examines the Eelam Tamil diaspora’s struggle for justice and healing. Through Rathika’s journey, the film explores the shared trauma of displacement and the pursuit of accountability and hope.
About the Directors
Award-winning filmmaker, Ryan Singh’s first feature documentary is a labour of love focused on amplifying the Tamil story of survival and resilience.
A critically acclaimed choreographer/dancer/filmmaker, Nikila Cole transitioned into film, circling the globe with her 11-year-old daughter to create the Vision TV/PBS documentary WANDERINGS: A JOURNEY TO CONNECT. Her film, INTIMACIES won the Audience Vote for Best Documentary at the Palm Springs Int’l Film Festival.
Photos
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Awards
2024 97th Academy Awards Qualifying
2024 Romford Film Festival – Best Documentary and Audience Choice Awards
2024 Hamilton Black Film Festival – Best Documentary Director
2024 International Black and Diversity Film Festival – Best Movie Trailer, Best Movie Poster, Best Documentary Film by a Black Producer
2024 Markham Canada International Film Festival – Honorary Mention
2024 Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival – Best Documentary Film
2024 DC South Asian Film Festival – Best Documentary Film Jury Mention
2024 Toronto Tamil International Film Festival – Best Documentary
2024 Brampton International Nollywood Film Festival – Best Documentary Film and Best Directors