Following its premiere at Tribeca Film Festival this summer, the animated short American Sikh — inspired by the life of anti-bigotry activist and artist Vishavjit Singh, has welcomed two high profile execute producers on board: Guneet Monga Kapoor, the produce and executive producer of Academy Award-winning documentary shorts The Elephant Whisperers and Period. End of Sentence., and Michelin-star celebrity chef Vikas Khanna.
American Sikh tells “the true and unlikely story of an American born, turban-wearing Sikh man, Vishavjit Singh, who after a lifetime of facing prejudice, self-doubt and violence, finally finds acceptance in a superhero costume.” The film is directed by Singh and Ryan Westra, who previously put Singh’s life on screen in the live-action documentary short Red, White and Beard.
The short has won Best Animation at the San Diego International Film Festival and Sidewalk Film Festival, and a Special Mention in the Documentary competition of the Chicago International Film Festival.
The animation was provided by Melbourne-based Studio Showoff.
New York-based illustrator, writer, performance artists and diversity speaker Singh was inspired to create his turban-wearing version of Captain America after witnessing hate crimes against Sikhs in both India and in the U.S. in the wake of 9/11. Ever since, he has used the character to fight bigotry and intolerance, engaging audiences in talks for schools, government agencies and companies including Google, Apple and NASA.
Learn more and watch the trailer at americansikh.com.
[Source: Variety]
