Maple Batalia’s life and death to be subject of new film

A Surrey filmmaker known for exploring issues surrounding gangs and guns is working with the family of Maple Batalia to document the young woman’s life and death on film.

Nineteen-year-old Batalia was killed in September 2011, following a night of studying at the Surrey SFU campus. Her ex-boyfriend, Gurjinder “Gary” Dhaliwal, was charged and convicted of the crime. Earlier this year, he was sentenced to life in prison.

Mani Amar said he was contacted by Maple’s sister, Roseleen, to produce a film about the young woman.

“There’s so much more to Maple than an hour-and-a-half film can show,” Amar said. “I hope that within that hour-and-a-half I can show how the world lost a very good and beautiful person.”

After repeatedly hearing from people who were touched by Maple’s story, Roseleen said she felt a film was the best way to share it.

“There’s just so many people out there who don’t know her story,” Roseleen told Global News, in an interview on Sunday. What’s more, she said her sister’s story can shine a light on the the issue of violence against women.

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Extended interview: Remembering Maple Batalia

1:59 Extended interview: Remembering Maple Batalia

“In B.C., in Canada, we’ve had way too many deaths because of violence against women and I feel like the lack education in high schools with regards to healthy relationships and knowledge about abuse is still very lacking,” Roseleen said.

That’s part of the reason Amar agreed to pursue the project with Roseleen.

“It felt like her story could benefit a lot of young women who might be going through similar situations and dating and domestic violence,” he said.

The pair are still working on the script. It could take up to two years before the film is ready for screening.

“It’s quite a huge project,” Roseleen said. “I’m just really looking forward to being able to share who Maple really was.”

Amar said casting for all roles will begin soon. He said the most challenging role to fill will be Maple’s.

“Maple was such a good, intelligent, strong person on so many levels, but she had this beautiful, soft, emotional side,” Amar said. “For the film, we have to show in depth as much as we can about Maple in a very short span of time, so the most important role will be whoever portrays Maple.”

Updates about the film will be posted to Amar’s website, Films Of Fire Productions. For more information, Amar can be contacted at info@filmsoffire.com.