Written and directed by Ryan Westra, co-directed by Vishavjit Singh, who voices this adaptation of his true and unlikely story of being an American born, turban-wearing Sikh man, who after a lifetime of facing prejudice, self-doubt and violence, finally finds acceptance in a superhero costume.
One of the fantastic things about animation is that it can be used to explore countless experiences, emotions and themes, and it makes a surprisingly excellent pairing for American Sikh. Using animation to recreate Vishavjit Singh’s experience was the perfect choice, it allows it to effortlessly flow through the multitude of feelings contained within this story. It begins with an inviting tone then turns to the darker side before becoming a wonderful message about understanding, community and compassion.
It’s not often discussed, or at least not in any great detail, the sheer hatred and bigotry that was faced by people of colour after 9/11. It’s always acknowledged that racism took an upturn but the reality of that: the violence, the fear and the struggle faced by those targeted, typically only scratches the surface. Within its few minutes, American Sikh does a fantastic job of encompassing the terror and cold wall of xenophobia and prejudice that was quickly thrown at people like Vishavjit Singh. So to tap into that, still horrifying, reality and then move the film into an air of positivity is incredible and encapsulates the exact tone of compassion that the film’s overall message sends. It becomes genuinely uplifting which is driven home all the more by the raw, strong sincerity that runs throughout.
Then there’s the visual quality and that is absolutely knocking it out of the park, it’s impossible not to enjoy its colour, atmosphere and emotion. Tapping into that graphic novel style was such a clever way to tell this story, making it undeniably accessible and adding a dose of nostalgia. As well as of course touching upon the widespread love of comic book movies and what they stand for at their roots, looking out for the little guy and caring for your community. It has a superb energy and vitality to the way that it moves, it draws you in immediately and leaves you wanting more.
American Sikh is uplifting, sincere, honest and poignant, which don’t sound like things you could squeeze into a ten minute short film, that also has a sense of humour, but somehow Ryan Westra and Vishavjit Singh achieved it to perfection. The message is filled with kindness when exploring such a moment of intense hatred, it’s impressive and much needed. It portrays a moment in history that isn’t acknowledged enough and does it so well within a very brief amount of time. It’s safe to say that American Sikh is necessary viewing.
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