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Macky
Alston, Filmmaker for the Auburn
Theological Seminary, New York:
".....I enjoyed your
documentary very much. I want to
compliment you on your high production
values and thank you for the very
helpful survey of Sikh history and
culture as well as the window into
Sikh life in America post-9/11.
It is so crucial that we have engaging educational tools such as the one you
have created so that American viewers can better understand the religiously
pluralistic world in which they live.
I have every intention of encouraging religious and community leaders who are
looking for videos that can serve as a catalyst for conversation about religion
in general, tolerance issues and Sikhism in particular, to consider 'MISTAKEN
IDENTITY: Sikhs in America' for their educational work. Thank you for this
important contribution to the library of documentary on religion"
Jens Ulff
Moller, Film Journalist, Denmark:
".......I like your film very much, and you really have a sense of finding
the essential stories to tell, whether it is Sikhs or influential women, that
is why I care a lot about your work.
Usually I see that films have three major elements: aesthetics, epics, and
a meta level) why tell this story).
The aesthetics, or the images in Mistaken Identity are generally of a very
high quality. Then the editing rhythm, as far as I remember, is determined
by the length of the interviews.
The epic or the story of the film is very interesting. I think the story of
the Sikhs in the US is fascinating.
Then the meta-level or the purpose of the film is also very good, that you
want to emphasize that Sikhs are not terrorists, but decent people.
Your film has made me aware that they are an interesting group of people, and
I would like to know more about them "
Marty Marty,
Coordinator, Continuous Orientation,
Southwest Missouri State University,
Missouri:
"......I viewed the film last night. This would be an excellent diversity
teaching tool for our IDS 110 teachers.
It actually only runs about 40 minutes, so it can be screened in one class
meeting. Of course, the discussion it provokes should take more time.
How could we go about getting more copies for the library? I really feel that
several teachers will be interested once they are made aware of it.
Unfortunately, many people here think of diversity as a black/white issue."
Prof. Sudan
Burgeon, Ph.D. Yuba College, California:
".....Thank you so much for sharing with my students the video, "Mistaken
Identity."
Their response was overwhelmingly positive.
I can truly say that this was the best film on Sikhism I have ever seen, especially
in terms of building cross-cultural understanding.
Both my Sikh and non-Sikh students loved the video. We had excellent discussion
sessions after the video, and it provided the basis for dialogue between Sikh
and non-Sikh students.
No other video has had such a strong impact on bringing together students of
mixed cultures in a spirit of tolerance and understanding.
In addition, the music was beautiful! The video had just the right mixture
of elements: it was upbeat, yet deeply serious and moving.
My college students especially liked the sections on cross-cultural marriage.
Including children in the video also touched many viewers.
This video is beautifully directed; it provides the viewers with many different
voices and responses; it opens the doorway for tolerance and understanding;
and it touches the heart.
This is one of the most powerful and moving videos I have seen. I give it my
highest recommendation.
Thank you again for sharing this excellent video
Linda Hazelton,
President, United For A Purpose
- Diversity is the spice of life,
Minnesota:
".....The video was used at a cultural awareness seminar presented to law
enforcement agencies of northwest Indiana.
Over 100 people attended. The video received the largest number of "Excellent" responses
on the evaluation.
I thought the video was packed with information. I liked the usage of a Caucasian
woman just because I felt it would make skeptical people more comfortable.
At first, I was surprised that she was used but realized further along that
it was a good choice.
I have to admit that I knew very little about Sikhs so I was enlightened. The
video made me want to learn more about India and its culture and religions."
Valerie
Zemaitis, 7th Grade Social Studies
Teacher at Wilbur Wright Middle
School, Indiana:
"... I teach 7th Grade Social Studies and the curriculum is about the Eastern
Hemisphere.
We have many students at our schools from that area. That video that I saw
was wonderful and would find it so useful in not only my curriculum, but in
helping my students understand the people they are sitting next to in the classroom
... Thanks for the video."
Ted & Betty
Schwan, Michigan:
"....We thoroughly enjoyed your presentation of Mistaken Identity.
It had been my hope that someone would make a distinction between assimilation
and conformation.
One can be assimilated into a society without having to conform to all the
observations and practices of that society.
It seems to me to be a contradiction that we Americans value our freedoms yet
we expect newcomers to conform to our perceived standards of dress, beliefs,
customs, etc.
I think when confronted by someone "different" in appearance or actions,
we don't quite know how to deal with that person with uneasiness possibly giving
way to fear which could result in all kinds of discrimination against that
person or group.
This attitude, I feel, may be the basis of our continued discrimination against
any one of different color, race or customs. In a way, I applaud you for sticking
to your beliefs and customs, although I can't help "noticing" your
turban and beard.
As to one question asked you yesterday morning, "Why do you continue to
wear the turban, why don't you conform to our standards of dress?".
Do you suppose that lady would conform to the different dress of a people if
she ventured into their country? Thanks again for a thought-provoking presentation.. "
Indi Kaur
Shambi, Nottingham Trent University,
United Kingdom:
"...All I can say is that I found it brilliant. The film is so good. I have
to admit during the first 20 minutes I had tears running down my eyes.
I found the whole look at Sikhs and the effects of 9/11 really moving, especially
what the taxi driver had to say about being married to an Italian American
and how she got hassle too.
It is really an insightful film into Sikhism too. It didn't force Sikhism on
anyone, but it allowed people get a true look at the religion and the way it
is practiced today.
I have to say that the film was not just good viewing for me as I am Sikh,
but one of my friends Dave watched some parts of the film and he was enthralled
it by..."
Amarjit
Singh Anand, Freelance Researcher/Contract
Writer/Translator, New York:
".....the result of a highly laudable effort on the part of Ms. Vinanti
Sarkar and her team, notably the late Ms. Amanda Gesine, both Non-Sikhs, on whom
the Divine Guru Nanak Sahib bestowed his benediction to accomplish this onerous
and painstaking task.
Let us all the low-key, salaried people or self-employed ones get together
to ensure that this film gets to see the light of the day at PBS channel."
Amardeep
Singh, Sydney, Australia:
"... A few DVD copies of the film arrived recently ... Having seen the movie
with family and friends and comments from others in Sydney who have seen it -
is that this is a great effort to educate all - in who the Sikhs are and what
Sikhism is.
It is great that someone who is not a Sikh by religion - the presenter Amanda
and the Producer/Director - went to such lengths to educate the non- Sikh community
about Sikhism.
This movie also teaches us Sikhs a lot about ourselves. Here in Australia we
are trying to work to take the movie to the wider Australian community.
In Australia, Sikhs face similar "challenges" as Sikhs in US, Sikhism
is not well known and related issues arise.
This movie is a good way of breaking that barrier. The need to make others
aware of what Sikhism is all about - is critical now (as war looms) and for
our youth's future."
Hardeep
Singh, Northridge, California:
"... I will start by telling you I was nothing short of being impressed.
The video was done in an extremely professional manner - unlike many of the others
I have seen in the past.
I truly commend you and your team on a job very well done. I personally know
what challenges you had to overcome to make this film concept a reality.
The film was great ! |
