Former Canadian NDP MP Rathika Sitsabaiesan has partnered with Toronto-based filmmaker Ryan Singh on a documentary on the impact of the 1983 pogram in Sri Lanka on Tamil families.

Ray of Hope is directed and produced by Singh (Memento: A South African Artventure), with production scheduled to commence in a few weeks, a spokesperson for the documentary tells Playback Daily, with filming to take place in the Greater Toronto Area, Edmonton, France, Switzerland and Sri Lanka. 

The documentary is executive produced by Patricia Scarlett (Rasta: A Soul’s Journey) and Nikila Cole (Wanderings), who also serves as a co-director and production consultant. Dayana Stanislaus is a cultural consultant. It was developed by Singh as part of the 2022 DOC Institute’s Breakthrough Program.

Ray of Hope is told from the viewpoint of Sitsabaiesan (pictured) as well as other affected Tamil families, when they were forced to flee their homes following the outbreak of armed conflict in Sri Lanka in 1983 that culminated in the 2009 Tamil genocide, according to a news release. It expected to be released in 2023 to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the pograms.

Sitsabaiesan is touted as the first Tamil person and visible minority to be elected as a member of Parliament for Scarborough—Rouge River in Toronto, according to the release, as well as the youngest representative to the parliamentary house.

Ray of Hope has received support by the All In Media Group, as well as the Canadian Media Producers Association’s Mentorship Program for Diverse Producers. Producers are still finalizing financing for the film, according to a spokesperson, including a crowdfunding campaign, which will be used to raise both funding support and awareness for the project. The budget has not been disclosed.

Image courtesy of Sasha Stoltz Publicity