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REFLECTIONS AND LESSONS IN "THE GOLD BRACELET"
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I was thrilled to meet Kavi Raz and Inder Dadlani during the two showings
of the movie, "The Gold Bracelet." I was happy to have had the opportunity
to introduce the movie (see attached) at the Theatre and recommend
"The Gold Bracelet" as a landmark movie, produced by K.R. Films Hollywood,
with a timely message for Hoosiers and all Americans.
Congratulations to the wonderful Director Kavi Raz and cast of
"The Gold Bracelet" : Kavi Raz (as Arjun Singh), Archana Puran Singh (as
Baljit), Mehrunissa Hassan (as Simrun) Sonny Mandal (as Bobby), Arsh Singh
(as Ranjit), Ari Barak (as Mirza), Jose Whipp (as Mel Harris) and others
for their great performances in the movie. Each of the major characters gave
an outstanding account of their acting skills and spirit: Beautiful Simrun
and Baljit were absolutely outstanding; Bobby has an emerging star power;
Ranjit played his difficult role with admirable strength; and Arjun, was
simply masterful in his role as the father with an American heart and a
Punjabi soul. One could not help but fall in love with Arjun and his
character, charm, and humanity.
The recently-released movie has already won some impressive accolades and
important film awards at several international film festivals ( including
Audience Choice Award as the "Best Feature Film" at Cinequest Film Festival
2006 and The Riverside International Film Festival) and hopefully will be
shown in theatres across the country in the near future and earn its rightful
place among the movies that speak to our heart and conscience, and touch our
soul in some profound way.
The movie "The Gold Bracelet" is going to succeed on its own momentum
and message and for offering an emotional jolt to the viewers in America and
around the world as it introduces another face of our collective culture
and human spirit. The tragedy and sadness portayed in the movie is beautifully
cushioned in deep sensitivity, humor, passion, colorful insights into Punjabi
traditions, culture, and folklore. The use of Punjabi language in dialogues
is charming and often self-revealing as to the concern and spirit of the moment.
Some viewers might see some distant echoes of simliar themes successfully
introduced in the recent movies like "Bend It Like Beckham," "Moonsoon Wedding,"
"Bride And Prejudice," and "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," yet I think that
"The Gold Bracelet" has a tug and pull of its own because of the setting and
background of the horrific events of 9/11. The story-line does not end at the
tragedy, its aftershock, or bitterness but surprises us with the resilience and
triumph of the human spirit; and with an incredible and moving prayerful hope
for a better beginning for our new immigrant family and for all Americans.
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The movie while offering entertainment, a window to the Punjabi culture, and
frequent and familiar challenges of families as they try to transplant and
create a place for themself in the American cultural landscape, leaves some
lasting resonance and lessons: to make an effort to know, understand, appreciate,
and celebrate our collective goodness, decency, and the tapestry of cultures
and to take needed steps to preserve and assure its rightful place and sanctity
to our lives and spirit and culture of communities where we live.
I can see some very constructive fall out from this movie and other thoughtful
projects of this nature: class discussions, interfaith forums, teaching
materials, community dialogues, cultural travel and visits to local places of
worship, interfacing with ethnic communities at multi-cultural and festive
celebrations, and of course a lot of personal research at the internet search
engines to further enrich our understanding of the themes, faith, and cultures
highlighted by "The Gold Bracelet" and other recent events.
"The Gold Bracelet" offered a unique window (but we must remember that culture
and spirit even of the same community are not a monolith, it has many variables;
it has many diverse and colorful textures and perspective) to the culture and
creativity, heritage and history; invited us to know the spirit of our American
neighbors who live among us, love this nation and are transplanting their hopes
and dreams, and find acceptance and a sense of belonging here.
Together the selected films screened at the annual International Film Festivals
showcase the trends and state of the visual arts, existing and emerging
cultural, spiritual, and social textures here and in far away lands, and events
that are shaping our world. The Indianapolis International Film Festival offered
117 films over seven days.
The colorful and emotionally charged movie "The Gold Bracelet," with its
excellent portrayals, direction, and cultural insights offered each
of us something to ponder; left behind a lasting impact and memory of an
unfortunate tragedy when we disregarded, stereotyped, mistakenly
identified Sikh Americans and their origin, faith, and ethnicity; and
misunderstood their absolute loyalty and commitment to their new "home"
in America. Unfortunately, in ignorance and prejudice, someone shattered
the world of some innocent families and violated their sacred rights as
Americans. On the other hand, we found a great cause for celebration:
enormous joy and strength, wonderful kinships and friendships, and
discovery of deep connections and a sense of mutual belonging by learning
about each other. It was moving to see the outpouring of love by neighbors
and strangers in the aftermath of a senseless death of a noble and innocent
man who loved this country as his own; and the next-door strangers leaning
on each other to get past the darkest hour towards a spirit of affection
and sharing in the wedding celebration as a long-lost family.
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The Film Festivals are another important gift to communities to enrich
the culture and spirit of its people, dispel unfounded ignorance, and
bring in renewed hope, light, and new perpectives to celebrate our
common humanity and intertwined destiny. I hope that all Americans and
especially Asian-Americans will see this movie, "The Gold Bracelet" and
other featured films that spotlight some important facets of their lives
as they transplant their hopes, dreams, and cultures and mainstream their
energy and talents; and for valuable lessons and challenges as we all
discover our true place in societies that are our new home.
As the new pioneers to these lands, we are at an unimagined threshold. We
must recognize the need and urgency to interface ideas and ideals to shape
a new tomorrow for generations yet to come. It all begins with getting
involved and learning about each other; dispelling our own ignorance and
striving for better understanding of the cultural, spiritual, and societal
fabric and framework that surround us. We must discover ways to connect across
the fence, in a town square, and at events that concern our common welfare.
We have a responsibility and stake to create an environment where we, in
solidarity, tackle our common problems and to walk in friendship across bridges
that we build together as Americans. Understanding about, and interest in, our
emerging universe will not happen in a darkened theatre but by expanding and
nurturing the light that we bring to this effort from all kinds of sources and
experiences and by sustaining and making it a continuing universal commitment.
Often great books, ancient wisdom, films, theatres, and friendly initiatives and
encounters lead us to the "light" and guide our intertwined destiny and
promising destinations.
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Kanwal Prakash "KP" Singh
Indianapolis, Indiana USA
www.KPSinghDesigns.com
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