A Gun & A Ring, has been nominated for the prestigious Golden Goblet Award at the 16th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF). It will premiere this June in Shanghai, China. Lenin Sivam, Director and Vishnu Muralee of Eyecatch Multimedia Inc. (the producer) will be travelling to Shanghai for the world premiere. SIFF is considered to be one of the top 10 film festivals in the world and it is recognized by International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF).  A Gun & A Ring film is one of 12 films selected out of more than 2000 films to compete for Golden Goblet award. Oscar award winner Tom Hooper will lead the jury of 6 others to choose the winner. You can see all 12 nominations here:

Lenin M. Sivam is highly a talented filmmaker, director, and storywriter. He is a self-taught storyteller who writes, produces and directs most of his movies by drawing on the skills and knowledge he gained from taking part-time filmmaking courses at Ryerson University. Sivam has a number of short films to his credit, including the award-winning A Few Good People (2006), the critically acclaimed Strength (2007), and the thriller Next Door (2008). His diverse and controversial body of work is well respected in the independent film community. His work has been recognized and has won many awards. Sivam’s movie 1999 marks his full feature directorial debut, and was recently screened at the Vancouver International Film Festival. Lenin Sivam also joined us at the Canadian Tamil Film Festival organized by CTYA’s Art and Culture Council where he awarded the “Best Short Film Award” and also served as a judge of Thaalam 20122011 Dance Competition

Today marks the 4th year remembrance of May Massacre, the height of the genocidal onslaught on the Tamils carried out by the Sri-Lankan Government. Today, I think of the tens of thousands of innocent civilians bodies, I think of the tens of thousands of people who were displaced and forced into concentration-style camps, I think of the tens of thousands of children who were orphaned, and I think of the tens of thousands of people who were injured, and I think of the tens of thousands of girls who were raped. Years from now, when my children and their children learn about the events that happened in Mullivaykal in 2009, I want them to learn the truth.

“You speak about history, but one must correct history.” These were famous words spoken by Soviet Director Joseph Stalin. In an effort to “re-write” history and expunge history of the wrongdoings of Stalin’s terror, Stalin engaged in a systematic effort to erase the memory and evidence of the terror and killings he inflicted on his people by eliminating all physical evidence that was deemed inconvenient to his version of events. He sponsored a rewriting of historical texts to reflect an edited version of history in where he plays a central and heroic role – his version. Stalin’s example of re-writing textbooks, some of which are still used today highlight an important issue. When history is not recorded, when it is not safeguarded and preserved by those who lived it, it will, over time, be re-written and forgotten.

Forgetting, and erasing the memory of what happened is the final stage of a genocide. “Memorycide” a termed coined by Mirko Grmek, is something regimes engage in order to glorify their past and eliminate the “dark periods” of history, so that years later, a civilian remembers nothing. What is forgotten, there is no need for regimes to deny. Through this process, ethnic groups have been cleansed of the memory and knowledge of their own histories, languages and cultures. Following the physical destruction, cultural destruction and political destruction of a group, the only thing that remains is memory, and and that is targeted as the last victim. To completely annihilate a group of people, a regime must facilitate the banishment of recollection and expunge everyone of their memory and remembrance.

In order to reduce the intensity and truth of what happened, regimes engage in common discourses of genocidal denial. By reducing the truth of how many people were killed, by proclaiming everything was done in self-defense, but claiming those who died were not intentionally targeted, but denying what happened was genocide, and the worst of all, by painting a picture saying that they were the real victims.

When this is the case, we must engage in activities to safeguard the truth of what happened to our kin in Mullivaykal in May 2009 – otherwise, the successive Sinhalese Governments will re-write history. The truth of the genocide inflicted upon the tens of thousands of bodies will be buried with them otherwise. We all must not be guilty of forgetting our history. We must instead actively remember the sufferings of our people, preserve it for future generations and educate our peers about their plight.

The final stage of genocide is the destruction of memory, the denial of wrongdoing, and the burial of evidence. But, we must never forget, we must remember and pay remembrance and safeguard the truth and memory of what happened to Tamils in Mullivaykal.

CTYA’s Blog has started a new Feature on Fridays, Thulirkal. Thulirkal meaning bud reflects the young Tamil youth we will be featuring. These youth are the buds of our community, and are growing into to strong, achieving young men and women! Each week we will feature a Tamil youth of the week. For more information or to suggest a youth to feature, please feel free to email us at blogs@ctya.org!

This week, we’ve brought you, Saiesan Muthulingam!

Saiesan Muthulingam was born on February 23, 1994 in Toronto, Canada. At a young age, Saiesan showed keen interest in singing, acting, dancing, and composing. Saiesan has been learning Carnatic Music from Mrs. Arulchelvi Godwin.

He performed his first film song “Machan Peru Madura” at the tender age of 10 with his brothers’ band ‘Kalakkals’. His next energetic performance was the challenging song ”Balaelakka” from the movie ‘Sivaji’ at only 12 years old. Saiesan performed this with so much charisma that the applause from the audience was deafening. Saiesan’s other stage performances include several in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and USA with the musical group ‘AGNI’, as well as Carnatic performances in programs such as “Isaiku Ethu Ellai”.

Saiesan has a unique presence on stage, one that he is able to switch on for the performance and immediately switch back off when in day-to-day life. His mix of true talent and simple humility is well appreciated among the great singers and musicians of the GTA. Despite his musical achievements for his age, Saiesan is always down-to-earth and full of positive attitude. Moreover, Saiesan’s potential as a great musician of the future was recognized by North Indian audiences when he performed several Hindi film songs at various events. Not only is Saiesan a singer, but he also plays the guitar, keyboard, saxophone, flute and harmonica. In his singing and playing, Saiesan is able to catch on to notes, lyrics, and music very quickly and retain the most minute details for recall at another time.

Saiesan is a hard worker and also one to always remember his Parents, Gurus, and God, to whom he is eternally grateful and who have essentially molded him into the artist and person that he is today.

1. Early riser or night hawk – Night Hawk
2. Silence or Surround Sound - Silence
3. Favorite family member – Dad
4. Best memory to date – Puttaparthi pilgrimage in 2007 (India) / Super Singer 3 journey in 2011

“Moongil Thottam” COVER BY: Shweta Subram & Saiesan Muthulingam

CTYA Blogs: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Saiesan: I’m 19 years old and the youngest of five children. I’ve always been shy and not too talkative. From childhood, I have loved listening to albums from Michael Jackson and A.R. Rahman.

CTYA Blogs: What do you define as “success” in one’s life?

Saiesan: The only way to be successful is through hard work. It’s important to start small and build on every little achievement along the way.

CTYA Blogs: What do you consider as the spark that ignited your passion for music?

Saiesan: There are many things that influenced my passion for music. Attending Sai bhajans since childhood was one of the reasons. Learning how to sing a few bhajans is how it initially started. Over the years, my parents, brother Vakeesan, New York Raja sir, and my Carnatic and Hindustani teachers, especially Ananth Vaidhyanathan sir, served a great deal in igniting my passion for music.

CTYA Blogs: Besides music, what are your other interests / hobbies?

Saiesan: Honestly, it has always been music. Besides music, I love playing sports, participating in service activities, taking Remi (pet) for a walk, etc. I am also interested in filmmaking where I spend sometime writing scripts, creating storyboards, etc.

CTYA Blogs: Who do you take as an inspiration / role model for your future and why?

Saiesan: My first and foremost role model is my father as he has always been a positive support throughout my musical journey. My mother has also supported and corrected me to get to where I am today. A.R. Rahman sir has been a great inspiration in my musical career and I love all his songs very much. New York Raja sir and the Agni musical band have also been a great moral support, who presented me with many on-stage performances.

CTYA Blogs: Finish the sentence: “To me, Tamil youth are…”

Saiesan: To me, Tamil Youth today are strongly determined individuals who work hard and never give up until they achieve their goals. Whether they fail or succeed, this generation will always have the courage to pursue their dreams.

CTYA Blogs: Anything else you’d like to add?

Saiesan: As I reflect back, ‘gratitude’ is the word that comes to my mind. I would like to thank God, my parents, my brothers, my gurus, Agni musical band, my Sai family and all the well wishers around the world who has always continued to support and motivate me. Dream big and do what you are most passionate about, giving it your best. Be grateful to your parents and be happy!

Thanks Saiesan for coming and sharing your thoughts today. Until then! We’ll see you all next week with a new talented Tamil Youth! Stay updated with Saiesan’s music by visiting his Facebook Fanpage:

G for Genocide Campaign
Thursday, May 16, 2013
From 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
At Dundas Square (Yonge and Dundas)
Toronto, Canada

Powered by youth, fueled by passion, a campaign solely driven by the resistance of injustice will commence on the 16th of May in remembrance of Tamil Genocide.

Click here for Facebook Event Page

Video Ad 1

Video Ad 2

Powered by Youth, Fueled by Passion
To Educate, To Commemorate: The Tamil Genocide

I remember yesterday your voice resonating the periphery
The chaos multiplying underneath the spaces between the door
My stain glass window shuttered with every syllable
I remember your present shadow sitting in a hollow dark room
Praying for the pain to be lifted away your face flowing pungent emotion
Fingers grasping white sheets were blood appears deep and stained
I remember fear on the corners of your lips, black charcoal escaping your eyes
And the catatonia of your soak embodied the presence of filth and invasion
Night cloaked you in her madness where dry dead leaves and withered vines embrace you in eccentric morbidity
I remember the sweet smell of fruit infested with maggots and lies
Spreading a permanent stench that purges all meaning of life
I remember the ache of looking into empty stares revealing a vacant mind
Your burdensome chains I carry along my back
Weakness and disease have become my haunting enigma
My breathe inches away from your skin but I am a pariah in your eyes
But I still remember your once beautiful smile that gave into madness…

Voiced and written by Ahalya Kathirkamanathan. Kathirkamanathan is an avid writer and poet from Belleville, Ontario. This video is an interpretation of her piece, ‘Memories of Yesterday’. Several pieces of footage we’re used to make this video collage.

Vanni is the name given to the mainland area of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. It covers the entirety of Mannar, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya Districts, and most of Kilinochchi District, and has an area of approximately 7,650 square kilometres (2,950 sq mi).  Vanni is one of the most fertile regions in Sri Lanka, known for its biodiversity, water resources, extensive natural forests comprising the largest conservation area.  The economy  is mainly driven by Agriculture. It is popularly known as the garden basket of Sri Lanka, providing paddy and produce for the entire island. Historically, it was the Capital of Jaffna Kingdom. The name is believed to be derived from Vanniar – chiefs who ruled Jaffna.

Here are some photos of the event:

CTYA’s Blog has started a new Feature on Fridays, Thulirkal. Thulirkal meaning bud reflects the young Tamil youth we will be featuring. These youth are the buds of our community, and are growing into to strong, achieving young men and women! Each week we will feature a Tamil youth of the week. For more information or to suggest a youth to feature, please feel free to email us at blogs@ctya.org!

This week, we’ve brought you, Abirami Shanmugaratnam!

Abirami is an avid athlete, who excels in various sports. She has demonstrated athletic ability within Track and Field, all while displaying leadership qualities, excellent sportsmanship, and a commitment towards promoting a positive, and healthy lifestyle. In addition to track and field, she has participated, and excelled in badminton, rugby, cross-country, ice-hockey, netball and soccer. She has also attended the Canadian Tamil Sports Association track and field meet, and has held the title of female champion consecutively over the last 5 years. In her school, she has won Most Valued Player, and Junior Female Athlete of the Year. At the Ontario Track and Field Association, she has placed first in several competitions, and has placed 3rd in the Toronto District College Athletic Association’s Track and Field Championships. She is also a sports coach for the Seelan Rangers sports club and a soccer coach for the Canadian Tamil Sports Association.

In addition to excelling athletically, she has worked towards promoting a healthy lifestyle by volunteering with the Health Action Committee, and is a student manager with a blood donor clinic. She serves as a model for other students to live by. In addition to her athletic achievements, she has contributed over 500 hours of community service, and has excelled academically in the International Baccalaureate Program, having attained her diploma. Her hard-working personality, positive attitude, commitment to sports, and overall achievements make her an inspiration to her peers.
Thank you for joining us today. So, let’s get warmed up. Ok, now don’t think, just say what first comes to mind. 1, 2, 3…

1. Favourite sports Team? Toronto Raptors, Oklahoma City Thunder, Chicago Bulls (NBA fanatic)
2. One food you could survive on for the rest of your life? Lasagna
3. Appa pillai or Amma pillai? Appa pillai
4. Favourite ice-cream flavor? Cookies and Cream
5. Heath or Wealth? Definitely Health

CTYA Blog Team: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Abi: I am a second year undergraduate student at McMaster University in the Honours Kinesiology program. I am also an aspiring Kinesiologist and this has been a dream of mine ever since I was a kid. Currently I am the McMaster Varsity Mens soccer strength and conditioning coach as well as being a varsity track athlete for McMaster competing in 60m, 300m and sprint relays. Proud to say, I hold a McMaster school record as a part of the relay team. I would strongly consider myself an ambitious student-athlete. I wish I could say more, but I have been well introduced.

CTYA Blog Team: You’re a great role model to young Tamil girls in terms of pursing your dreams and excelling in athletics, a field that is commonly shunned for girls, how did you overcome obstacles in order to pursue your passion?

Abi: Running was something I developed passion for as a young child and it soon became a part of me. It was my identity. I have to admit I did get criticism along the way such as Tamil girls shouldn’t pursue such grand endeavors, this is not the right field for you, you should focus on your academics and so forth but I didn’t let this negative criticism stop me. In fact, it fueled me to achieve more. I wanted to destroy that cultural stigma and open avenues to Tamil females further down the road so I continued to pursue what I most loved doing, sprinting. I trained harder, I persevered throughout all challenges and most importantly I went in search of opportunity. I never gave up. This is probably what is driving me until this day, along with my passion to run.

CTYA Blog Team: What is something you live by and motivates you to continue to work hard everyday?

Abi: I would consider myself a very motivated person in life and one of the quotes I wake up to everyday is from one of my greatest idols of all time, Michael Jordan: “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen”. Always go in search of opportunity because I would consider my gift of sprinting a god given talent. But although it is a talent of mine, where talent fails to work hard, this is when hard work must do its part. So, my ambition to become a faster sprinter is fueled by my hard work and in order to do this, I seek opportunity.

CTYA Blog Team: Sportsmanship is a word that many people talk about, what does it mean to you?

Abi: I would consider sportsmanship as the ‘Golden Rule’ of all sports, in that you must treat the sport and those you play with whether it is on the court, the field or the track with respect, dignity and fairness. In the field of sport, I have encountered several athletes, but if its one thing I cannot tolerate are sore losers and I feel that everyone should be reminded that sportsmanship is key to sports as this not only has an impact on athletes, but also spectators.

CTYA Blog Team: If you could go back in time and change one thing of your life, what would you change?

Abi: If there is one thing I could change about my life, I would definitely have had better training for track as a child because a lot of your speed is developed as a child. I was unaware of what proper training for track was until I was in grade ten whereas up until then, I was running on natural raw speed and passion.

CTYA Blog Team: What’s some advice you would give youth to stay healthy and active?

Abi: Staying active and healthy should be a necessary part of everyone’s lifestyle, in fact it is my lifestyle because it is indeed connected to a positive attitude and better focus in school. If you are striving to reach a “healthy and active lifestyle” I would recommend goal setting and start with the little steps such as eating healthy whether it involves you cutting back on junk food, limiting the amount of times you eat out at fast food places or even eating an apple a day. In terms of staying active, this can start with small steps such as going out for a jog everyday, getting a gym membership or I would recommend joining a sports team. But the key to a healthy and active lifestyle is goal setting and eventually these keystones in life will be become engrained in you as an individual.

CTYA Blog Team: What are you most proud about our Tamil culture, history and traditions?

Abi: Growing up in Scarborough, which I would call my small Eelam, I have been surrounded by my Tamil culture and traditions, which have become a part of me as a young individual. If its one thing I’m the most proud about my community for is their constant sharing of cultural knowledge whether it is through staged performances, traditional classes and even through Black July where everyone is open to the history of Tamils. I can proudly say that Tamils have strongly made a mark in Canadian soil and continue to do so and to be able to identify myself as being a Tamil-Canadian is something I am truly proud of.

CTYA Blog Team: Finish the sentence. “To me, Tamil youth are..”

Abi: To me, Tamil youth are the future of tomorrow and the founding pillars to preserving our cultural identity.

CTYA Blog Team: Anything else you would like to add?

Abi: I have recently started a Track Blog through my journey throughout track and field, so if you’d like to know more, check it out: http://abiskyhigh.wordpress.com/

New Release: Bhoomi Enna Suthudhe Dance – WessTigga & PointDxter

It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary, just a normal day of hanging out with buddies, which eventually took a turn. Releasing a video together had been a long awaited project that, due to time constraints, had been constantly pushed back. Finally, on a day where it wasn’t likely to happen, it did. Athavan (WessTigga) gave the initial push to rather than spend time just lounging around, to use the time to dance and put out a video.

Music Director Anirudh Ravichander (famous for his film, 3) shared their release!

While listening and jamming to a number of songs, we stumbled upon a mix by DJ Icykle, which sparked interest, as it was a very good one to a song that we both enjoyed.

Choreographing the song took some time, as our vision for the dance was for it to be a fusion of both folk and hip-hop elements. It was easy working with one another as we have collaborated in our paraDOX endeavours. This allowed us to easily feed off each other’s ideas and eventually create the piece.

Anirudh sharing the video was truly unreal! It came as a shock and completely out of the blue. Both of us had not expected such a reaction to the video, garnering 5000+ views in a matter of 3 days. It is a different kind of appreciation when the mind behind the music enjoys the take on his vision. We had not expected to gain this much attention. We are truly blessed.

Here are some links to stay connected.

WessTigga

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/athavan101

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wesstigga.productions

Athavan Anpalagan (WessTigga) & Viknesh Srinivasan (PointDxter)