WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Inconceivable champions. Tragically, if there’s one thing this world seems a little too adept at, it’s possessing a penchant for passing judgement upon that which isn’t understood, doesn’t fit “the norm”, or resides outside the (supposed!) “parameters” of what’s considered acceptable to the masses. To stray beyond this is to invite ridicule that’s actually born out of misunderstanding, flawed frames of reference, or a blanket attitude poorly directed at an entire whole. When finding oneself at the center of such derisive attack, do you fold under pressure–or choose to take a stand? For Vishavjit Singh, he experienced first hand what these types of scenarios brought into his life, both in childhood and then adulthood, as an American-born Sikh. But, what he chooses to do in order to combat this becomes a story of unexpected inspiration, ongoing ridicule, and a newfound, cathartic journey to simply BE.
Next, my Mind:
The predisposition of human beings to discover far too many means to assign fault with then assault (verbally or physically) that which stands out as “odd” or “against” established societal, cultural, or religious paradigms is a painfully prevalent facet of history with dire consequences and lasting ramifications to those who are wholly and involuntarily swallowed up when targeted by such overt prejudice. Add to this already demeaning and damaging aura of misdirected bigotry the insult of having to experience it both in youth in your original home country then as an adult in the place you anticipated being FREE of it and one will get an initial idea of the trials faced by American-born Vishavjit Singh whose practicing of Sikhism comes under harsh scrutiny through this revealing and affecting animated documentary short film from Singh who directed/produced the effort along with writer/director Ryan Westra and that had its in-person World Premiere screening at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival June 10th, follow-up screenings the 11th and 17th, then online screenings to follow through June and into early July. But, to add to its growing accolades, the film is now a qualifier for the 2023 Oscars as well.
Having earlier in life witnessed an atrocity that no 12-year old should ever have to endure, Singh’s return from India, upon turning eighteen, to the country in which he was actually born, the United States, carried with it hopes, ongoing dreams, and the excitement of a culture he felt more connected to than even that of his natural heritage. Still adhering to the standards and practices of Sikhism he grew up with, what he encountered in the U.S. was assuredly NOT what was yearned for by a long shot. Instead of relishing the liberation from the persecution he’d seen first hand in India, Singh also runs afoul of blatant intolerance here, bombarded with the kinds of derogatory attitudes and angry sentiments that cause him to undergo a severe identity crisis and a drastic measure to separate himself from what he always believed. Yet, thanks to a unique circumstance, his rediscovery of faith seemed to rejuvenate and restore him–until another day of utter desolation arrives that puts him in the demonizing crosshairs of resentment once more.
BUT–when the battles with ignorance and misguided malice seem too much to take, Singh makes a choice that will radically alter all those around him’s perceptions–an alter ego that harkens to what it means to stand tall for what you hold fast to via embracing a recognizable, culturally relevant expression of patriotism, while representing the all-encompassing truth that not only IS he an American and a Sikh, but that we are ALL people who DESERVE to be respected, treated as such, and be seen as EQUALS regardless of our ethnicity, creed, religion, or color, a core concept from this critic’s understanding very much holds a special significance in Sikhism. Watching as Singh takes this unorthodox, symbolic approach to initiate notions of national unity is heartening, inspiring, and UNDENIABLY NECESSARY in today’s overall culture that’s rife with division, and I appreciated that even in the victories Singh won with this idea he created, it doesn’t remove how there were still times OUTSIDE this “second identity” that illustrated how difficult it is to truly break discrimination.
The film is, I felt, greatly enhanced by being delivered in animated form as opposed to live action, as somehow the imagery presented in this manner drives home the foundational points being made in a more creative and emotionally evocative way, especially given we’re venturing into the realms of superheroes here. Through that intentional “comic book” appearance the jarring ugliness of violence against his faith to the joyfully exuberant acceptance of his other persona shines forth potently, speaking deftly and with unequivocal force to the need to flat out STOP allowing ourselves to fall prey to such hostilities in our minds, hearts, and souls but in its place make MUCH better efforts to actually SEE one another for WHO we ARE then WELCOME it, as likewise hinted at in the previous commentary above. Additionally, Singh’s narration that leads us through his harried journey to heroism and confidence TO be himself and cast aside self-doubt is wonderfully understated yet filled with an evident passion and fulfillment in his knowing just how impactful one daring decision chosen has been for him and all those he’s ideally influenced for the betterment of our world through his actions.
So, in total, “American Sikh”, with its cornerstone beliefs firmly in hand, is a beautifully timed, smartly executed, candidly compelling indie film that should NOT be ignored in its essential messages that strongly but compassionately urge fleeing from aversion, throwing away misjudgment, looking BEYOND THE SURFACE, and chasing the concepts of inclusion, love, faith, acceptance, and understanding in the fashion we SHOULD be doing it to begin with–TOGETHER.
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
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