This documentary program showcases the diaspora of the Tamil and Coastal Chumash peoples.

RAY OF HOPE - The 26-year armed conflict in Sri Lanka compelled numerous Eelam Tamils to seek refuge in foreign nations, notably in Canada. Among them is Rathika Sitsabaiesan, a former Canadian Member of Parliament, who fled the armed conflict in Sri Lanka with her Tamil family as a five-year-old child. The anguish and tales of the conflict drove Rathika's advocacy. In 2013, her visit to Sri Lanka rekindled her own traumatic memories, as she was surveilled by the very government accountable for widespread suffering.

Preceded by the short  SPEAKING WITH THE ANCESTORS - this documentary follows Deborah Sanchez's journey to revive the Smuwic language of her Coastal Chumash tribe through teaching and song.

Note: Films are unrated by the MPAA. Program is current at time of publication and titles may be subject to change. Tickets may be purchased directly from the Laemmle NoHo7 Theatre box office.