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The Documentary Drama Film Made-for-TV
Program -"MISTAKEN IDENTITY"
The first digital film, "MISTAKEN IDENTITY: Sikhs in America" is
a six-part TV series "celebrating cultural diversity in to-day's religiously
pluralistic world." It goes beyond the shock and common wrath that consumed
America in the immediate aftermath of September 11. Terrorism of another sort
- racism took hold of the American character and for a time corrupted its morality.
In the face of such adversity the cherished American ideals that guard the
cornerstone of society became wounded by the victimization and racial profiling
of fellow Americans - demonizing those --who simply resembled the terrorists.
This docu-drama is produced exclusively for mainstream North Americans and
non-Sikhs worldwide to understand their Sikhs neighbors, Sikhism and what Sikh
Americans have contributed to the USA since the 1880s.
The Purpose
The objective of this first TV program is to inform and educate mainstream
America and non-Sikhs worldwide about Sikhs and Sikhism. Host & Investigative
journalist represents
the voice of Young American after 9/11, by demystifying the enigma of Sikh
Americans, while discussing their historical experiences. She shares the hopes
and desires of the American population, especially the more idealistic younger
generation, from all walks of life and backgrounds, who seek to close ranks
against bigotry and hatred, taking a united stand against terrorism.
The Sikh Americans
Sikhs in America are living all over the United States, with strong work ethics
inherited as spiritual believers of Sikhism - the 5th largest and newest religion
in the world. (22 million Sikhs are settled in India, the United Kingdom, Canada,
Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, etc.,).
Accomplishment
This film-made-for TV, triumphs in breaking down misconceptions and cultural
barriers due to ignorance and fear. It is a fine example of bridging the gap
and informing mainstream American media with the presence of Host Amanda Gesine,
director/producer Vinanti Sarkar and Philip Marshall (4-time Emmy award winning
editor). It won two first prizes: The Golden Lion Award and the Remi Gold Statuette
for "creative excellence".
Core Feelings
The film spotlights the experience of Sikh Americans (as one example of America's
religiously pluralistic population), using the post 9/11 climate as a backdrop.
It charts Amanda's personal journey of discovering her Sikh neighbors. She
stated: "September 11 changed us all, the question is whether it changed
us for better or for worse ? It was NOT only a wake up call - but also a sense
of innocence lost and the coming of age of my generation. The Sikh story -
is a small fragment of America's multicultural diversified population that
- not only needs to be told, but celebrated. Worldwide, populations of new
immigrants share this reality."
The Cause
After 9/11, Amanda Gesine saw the light at the end of the tunnel and sought
to break new ground in a unique TV series - the Sikh American story is one
example - demanding greater understanding for knowledge on the six major religiously
pluralistic world population in the new millennium.
She saw the demonization of the turban and beard had created a huge backlash
against Sikh Americans. She concluded: " if making this TV program will
save one life then we will have made a difference. I believe in this project
and if I can help one American understand about the Sikhs, I hope it will have
a domino affect". |
