Committees

Accomodation

Ilancheyan Ratna and Uma Saker were the main contact for all guest accommodations for FeTNA 38. We visited and met the hotel contacts at Marriott and Residence Inn multiple times to help smoothen the registration process. As new artists, guests, donors and sponsors started coming in at the last minute requesting hotel rooms, it was a challenge. Uma kept up with never ending requests and kept the hotel contacts engaged up to the start of the event. As both hotels filled up, we had to reach out to other nearby hotels to manually assign rooms. In the process, we got to meet quite a lot of guests.

Decoration Committee 

Behind every unforgettable event lies a team whose vision, creativity, and hard work transform spaces into something magical. At FeTNA 2025, along with many other incredible committees, the Decoration Committee poured their heart into bringing the celebration to life through their artistry and dedication.

This passionate team of volunteers brought to life a cultural celebration that was not only visually stunning but deeply rooted in Tamil heritage and artistic expression. From conceptualizing large themes to meticulously assembling every backdrop, floral, and prop—the team passionately worked on it. 

The team worked through weekends, late nights, and countless shopping haul to ensure every corner of the venue reflected the pride of Tamil identity and the spirit of togetherness. With handmade elements, attention to detail, and vibrant aesthetics, the team created an immersive environment that welcomed thousands with warmth and awe. 

Whether it was the Madurai Tamil Sangam with Pulavar Mandram, the Arusuvai Sitrundi stalls, or the red carpet path leading to grand welcome areas, each setup told a story—crafted with care. 

The Decoration Committee brought the art to life—leaving behind not just beautiful visuals, but lasting memories for all who attended. 

Committee Members: 

  • Anitha (Chair) 
  • Meena Venugopal (Co-Chair) 
  • Uthamisree Suresh 
  • Rubana Ravee 
  • Vanitha Dayalan 
  • Malarvizhi Elangovan 
  • Jega Sivaraj 
  • Rita Mahinthakumar 
  • Uma Rajaratnam 
  • Ramesh Ramanujam 
  • Devinachal Nachiappan

Special Thanks:

Beyond the core team, several volunteers played an important supporting role. Sujatha Mohan, Kodhai Jayaraj,  Arockia Antonyraj Soosaipackiam and Senthil Thavamani lent their time and care to review content and ensure accuracy for the Pulavar Mandram, helping us maintain the cultural integrity and richness.

FeTNA International Film Festival (FeIFF)

The first conversation about FeIFF began with Vijay, President of FeTNA. The idea wasn’t introduced as a proposal, but as a question, a pulse, and a dream. A space was envisioned where Tamil cinema could rise without compromise. Where stories are not softened for approval, but sharpened for truth. Where red carpets are not just ceremonial but moral.

Vijay listened. He didn’t interrupt. He didn’t dilute the vision. He simply said, “Let’s build it.”

That quiet conviction became the foundation. In that moment, FeIFF took its first breath not as a plan, but as belief made visible.

Because FeIFF was never imagined as just another festival.

It was imagined for Tamil cinema not simply to showcase what already exists, but to shape what ought to exist. A space where artistry isn’t measured by box office, but by boldness. A space where red carpets are not about glamour, but about who walks beside whom.

At its core, FeIFF is a question posed to the world:

What if Tamil stories had a platform built just for them rooted in culture, yet wide open to the world?

That question didn’t remain a thought.

In the beginning, there was only a spark—an idea quietly carried, hoping someone would see its shape. The journey began with volunteers. But it soon became clear: a festival like FeIFF doesn’t just need volunteers—it needs believers, especially when nothing is visible.

One can organize alone, but not build alone.

What was needed wasn’t just effort—but ownership. Not tasks but trust.

And something extraordinary happened.

The volunteers became a team.

The team became family.

And FeIFF became more than a project.

This year, 60 films entered the competition: 46 from North America in the Tamil short film category, and 14 from North American producers—marking a vibrant and competitive first edition.

FeIFF also hosted a series of bold, insightful, and artistically rich sessions that resonated deeply:

  • “Rebellion and Scale: Directing the Biopic You Cannot Control” – an in-depth conversation with director Rajkumar Periyasamy on Amaran
  • “The Visual Politics of Silence” – a dialogue with Mari Selvaraj exploring how emotion is shaped through imagery
  • “Funding, Vision, and Risk” – a powerful panel on the current realities of Tamil film production
  • Live Q&As after key screenings encouraged open conversations between filmmakers and audiences
  • A gripping documentary on Veerappan, followed by a rare and powerful conversation with Nakkheeran Gopal on journalism and power
  • Seenu Ramasamy’s Kolzhipannayin Chelladurai, a warm, reflective work that moved audiences deeply
  • And the world premiere of Bun Butter Jam, a fresh and endearing film unveiled for the first time

A festival is never built alone. Every step of FeIFF 2025 was shaped by people who gave more than their time—they gave belief. What began as a concept became real because of those who stood up when it mattered most.

Bharath, our Festival Chair, was the first to raise his hand when the vision was shared. That quiet commitment marked the first turning point.

Vaishali, our Co-Chair, worked across time zones and pressure zones. Her work was often invisible but essential to move things forward.

Swetha, despite the unimaginable loss of her child, gave herself fully to this team. Her strength redefined resilience.

Nirmala, from Columbus, brought steadiness. When momentum faltered, her quiet consistency held the line.

Agalya joined for fundraising but soon became someone who engaged across every layer, never waiting to be asked.

Nandha, already Chair of Marketing, extended his support to FeIFF too, ensuring we had a clear identity alongside Mr. Vasu.

Dev became the emotional engine. When energy dipped, his presence lifted the spirit.

Raja managed registration systems, freeing creative focus for others.

Grace revived our social media presence—finding tone, rhythm, and voice for the outside world.

Meenakshi Sundaram, Joint Coordinator of the FeTNA Convention, anchored ground efforts. Whenever things had to happen while work continued remotely, his support never wavered.

Soundar helped shape and interpret the philosophy behind the FeIFF logo.

Gobi worked quietly, guiding from behind the scenes. Every part mattered.

Mr. Cottalango Leon and Mr. Swarnavel, our senior advisors, never imposed but always supported. Their wisdom gave FeIFF its moral spine.

And Mr. Vijay Manivel, our FeTNA President, led like Dr. Dhawan once did for Kalam—backing the vision through failure, and stepping back during success. That spirit gave FeIFF its breath.

From the FeTNA board: heartfelt thanks to Kabilan, Ezhilan, our liaison Karthik, and internal jury members Mr. Vetri and Mr. Shan. Also Mr. Vallikannan, Treasurer.

Special gratitude to Convention Coordinators Ms. Bharathi Murugesan and Ms. Meena.

We would like to thank our Jury team Mr. Lenin Bharathi, Ms. Rohini for their time, thoughtful consideration, and support to our film festival.

And to the volunteer hearts who never asked for spotlight—Sakthi, Uma, Rajendran, Swaroop, Geetha, Thirumoorthi—your presence mattered when hands and hearts were needed most.

Even last-minute volunteers Saravanan, Hari, Aarthy, Madhavan, Ranjitha, Sanjay made valuable differences.

Congratulations to our award winners:

  • Best Producer – Mari Selvaraj for Vaazhai
  • Best Director – Rajkumar Periyasamy for Amaran
  • Best Technical Excellence – Ravi Varman for Ponniyin Selvan
  • Best Short Film – Vivek Elangovan for Odam
  • Best American Film Producer – Gayathiri Ranjith for Oozhi

And most of all, deepest respect to the two families—parents and children—who walked our red carpet. It wasn’t symbolic. It was transformative.

What Lies Ahead: FeIFF 2026

  • A global competition with neurodiverse and kids’ tracks
  • A Film Market to pitch and partner with fellow filmmakers
  • Tamil-subtitled entries from across the world—bridging every screen

FeIFF is growing—not just in events, but in purpose. This dance between celebration and catalyst is just beginning. And for Tamil cinema, something essential has been found—a home of its own.

Thank you for believing, for walking, and for creating together.

Ideas and stories can change the world.

The world has Cannes. Now, we have FeIFF.

Warmly,

Naresh Kumar

Artistic & Operational Director, FeIFF

Global Tamil Hour

2025 FeTNA Global Tamil Hour Master of Ceremony Schedule

3:00 PM – Opening Remarks (~ 2 minutes) – Amaran

Anaivarkkum Vanakkam, and a very warm welcome to everyone. My name is Amaran, I’m a
recent grad from UNC Chapel Hill and a Tamil activist.

We are honored to have you join us for Global Tamil Hour, a cornerstone of FeTNA’s main
agenda for many years. This hour is not just a program — it is a platform for collective
reflection, dialogue, and commitment to justice for Eelam Tamils around the world.

We are especially privileged to welcome a distinguished panel of guests from across the globe —
from the United States, Tamil Eelam, and Tamil Nadu. Thank you for lending your voices to this
important cause and standing with our people in their continued pursuit of freedom and dignity.

Yesterday, America marked its independence — a celebration of the ideals of freedom, justice,
and democracy. And as we honor those values, we also reaffirm our solidarity with all peoples
striving for their own freedom — including the Eelam Tamil people, who continue to seek justice
for genocide, and the right to self-determination through an internationally monitored
independence referendum.

As President John F. Kennedy once said:
“The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall
never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission.”

Today, through Global Tamil Hour, we echo that same spirit — the refusal to surrender our
rights, our truth, or our identity.

Let us use this hour not only to listen, but to act — to amplify these voices, to pursue justice
through legal and democratic means, and to work towards a permanent political solution for the
Tamil people in Eelam.
Thank you. Let’s begin. I would like to invite Iniya to call upon the first speaker.

3:03 PM – P. Maniarasan (~ 6 minutes) – Iniya
தமி
நா

ஈழ
தமிழ
க

ஆதரவாக ப
வே
போரா
ட
களை

பல ஆ

களாக நட
தியவ
. கவே

போரா
ட
, கோய
கள

தமிழி
ட

நட
வ
உ
ள
ட ப
வே
ம
கள

போரா
ட
தி
பல
றை சிறை செ
றவ
தமி

தேசிய
பே
ய
க
தி
தலைவ

ஐயா பெ மண
யரச
அவ
களை

வடஅமெ

க தமி
ச
க பேரவைய

உலக
தமிழ
நேர
தி

உரையா
ற அ
ட
அழை
கிறே
ந
றி

“I warmly invite Mr. P. Maniyarasan, the leader of the Tamil desiya periyakkam, to speak at the
‘global Tamils’ Hour’ organized by the Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America (FeTNA).
He has led various struggles in Tamil Nadu for many years in support of Eelam Tamils, has gone
to prison multiple times for people’s causes such as the Cauvery protests and for conducting
temple rituals like kudamuzhukku (consecration) in Tamil. It is an honor to have him on stage
with us today! Thank you.”
3:10 PM – Janarthanan (~ 5 minutes) – Oviya
Up next, we are honored to welcome a steadfast voice for Tamil justice and human rights—Mr.
(Juhn-aar-thanan) Janarthanan. With over three decades of dedicated advocacy through the Tamil
Civil Society Forum and the Tamil People’s Council in Tamil Eelam, he has played a vital role in
shaping the discourse on Tamil self-determination and governance. We look forward to his
insights on how Tamil communities across the globe can come together for a stronger, united
future. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Jana to the Global Tamil Hour stage. He will speak in
Tamil.
3:17 PM – MP Sirinesan (~ 6 minutes) – Amaran
It is now my honor to introduce a powerful voice for the Eelam Tamil people, a leader who has
stood firm in the Sri Lankan Parliament for truth, justice, and the rights of the oppressed.
Honorable Sirinesan is a Member of Parliament from the Batticaloa District. A long-time
advocate for Tamil national identity, he has remained unwavering in his commitment to justice
for the Tamil people and a permanent political solution rooted in self-determination.
Through his work in Parliament and in the community, he continues to amplify the calls for
accountability, reconciliation, and dignity—calls that echo far beyond the island’s shores.
Please join me in welcoming MP Sirinesan to the stage. He will deliver his speech in Tamil.
3:25 PM – Rajeev Sreetharan (~ 8 minutes) – Amaran
Next, we are honored to welcome Rajeev Sreetharan—an intellectual property lawyer who has
channeled his legal expertise toward the pursuit of justice for marginalized communities.
Rajeev provides pro bono legal counsel to Tamil organizations, with a focus on genocide
accountability. In 2023, he presented a powerful legal model at the International Association of

Genocide Scholars, drawing a bold comparison between Sri Lanka’s No Fire Zones and the gas
chambers of the Holocaust—shining a critical spotlight on the Tamil genocide.
Please join me in welcoming Rajeev Sreetharan to the stage
3:35 PM – Video: Tamil Genocide Monument (~ 3 minutes)
A one minute video will be played about the Tamil Genocide Monument in Brampton that’s
opened this year May 10, 2025. Following that FeTNA president will recognize the National
Council of Canadian Tamils (NCCT) who lead the project. Mr. Mohan Ramakrishan will receive
the recognition on behalf of NCCT.
3:40 PM – Congresswoman Deborah Ross (~ 5 minutes) – Oviya
It is now my privilege to introduce a remarkable ally in our struggle for justice. A principled
leader who has consistently stood with the Tamil American community.
Congresswoman Deborah Ross represents North Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District and is a
steadfast advocate for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. In Congress, she has used
her voice to speak out about the Tamil Genocide, and to champion accountability and justice for
affected communities.
Her presence here today sends a powerful message that the call for truth, justice, and
self-determination for Eelam Tamils is not going unheard.
We are truly honored to have her with us.
Please give a warm welcome to Congresswoman Deborah Ross.
3:47 PM – Former Congressman Wiley Nickel (~ 6 minutes) – Amaran
We want to call up a long-time beloved friend of Tamil Americans, former Congressman Wiley
Nickel to deliver the official Tamil State of the Union Address. He is a human rights champion
and the first US elected official to publicly recognize Tamil Genocide.
In Congress, he introduced a historical house resolution that for the first time called for an
independence referendum for Eelam Tamils. We call this the DREAM resolution for Tamil
people as it supports our aspirations to peacefully solve the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka in
accordance with international law.
This is the most important resolution in history not just for Tamil Americans, but for Tamil
people across the world. We really appreciate Congressman Nickel for being a friend, supporter,
& guide for Tamil Advocacy on Capitol Hill. Congressman Nickel, please take it away.

3:56 PM – Video: The Tamil Community Centre (~ 3 minutes)
Up next, we will play a short video about the upcoming Tamil Community Centre in Toronto,
Canada. For anyone attending the convention in person and interested in learning more, please
reach out to Vel Vellauthapillai, a representative of the Tamil Community Centre.

3:58 PM – Concluding Remarks(~ 2 minutes) – Amaran
As we come to the close of this year’s Global Tamil Hour, let us take a moment to reflect on
what we’ve witnessed — not just speeches, but stories. Not just voices, but visions. Each speaker
and each moment shared today has reaffirmed what we already know: the Eelam Tamil struggle
is not forgotten — it is very much alive, and it is global.
From Parliament members in Sri Lanka, to advocates in Tamil Nadu, to allies in the halls of the
United States Congress, we are reminded that justice may be delayed, but it is never denied when
people stand united with purpose and conviction.
Thank you to our honored guests, and to every one of you for being part of this moment.
Thank you, Nandri, Vanakkam