The challenge:

Control a TV or other IR device via a non-circuit based device powered by a candle for IR source. Batteries not allowed.

You can use a candle, paper, cardboard, plastic, lenses, aluminum cans etc. All hand made unpowered and rudimentary materials allowed.

You may obtain the ir message by any means including a detector, DAC, etc system. But once you have your code, those devices cannot be used.