5 films that show the real Indian Immigrant life abroad

Please don’t say “So where are you from?” ....

Today several Indian Immigrants call Canada, USA, UK and several other countries as their home, it is indeed a difficult decision to make the initial move and relocate to a new country, the current resurgence of anti-immigrant sentiment can be infuriating and psychologically destabilizing. Popular beliefs today completely ignore the economic benefits that come with the global movement and the fact that wherever an immigrant settlement comes, it strengthens the fabrics of that society.

Indian immigrants and their families are deprived of great cinema that they can relate to. More immigrant centric cinema helps not just these families but also helps educate the society of the issues faced by their new neighbors.

While there are films that add to the stereotypes, some film-makers are working hard to change the scenario. The depiction of the Indian diaspora on the big screen has progressed significantly from the romantic ballads against picturesque locations to films that dive deeper into the social issues in the life of an immigrant family. If you are seeking to resolve your cultural identity or planning to move abroad, here are some movies, short films and documentaries you must binge watch:

1) Bhaji on the Beach (Directed by: Gurinder Chadha)

This award-winning film by Gurinder Chadha, showcases the dreams and aspirations of a multi-cultural, British-Asian group of women, living in Birmingham, who are out for a picnic. The film highlights the difference in the cultural values of the 1st generation immigrant women versus the 2nd and the 3rd generations who feel more British than Indian. The film has several characters and storylines going around at the same time, but it is Meera Syal’s magical script that brings it all together, lightly highlighting issues like misogyny and racism.

2) Khoj (Written & Directed by Kajri Babbar)

Written and directed by Kajri Babbar, the film was shortlisted in the Best Student Film category on the Academy Awards list, reaching the semi-finals at the Oscars. The film opens with a view of the Gurudwara in a village, the sound of the Shabd, and the scene of the Anand Karaj. One can see a young girl in her wedding dress, with eyes full of dreams and hopes. Cut to the next scene, the girl reaches the UK: Khoj, is a story of this young bride who is looking for the man who deserted her after marrying her for dowry. The film highlights the problems faced by a ‘holiday wife’ and lightly touches on social issues like the dowry system and LGBTQ+ awareness, through strong female characters. The film premiered in India at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in 2019, and is now available for viewing online on Zee5.

3) The Namesake (Directed by: Mira Nair)

Based on Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri’s debut novel of the same name, The Namesake explores the trials and tribulations of first-generation immigrants in accepting the contemporary perspective of their American-born children. Under Mira Nair’s capable direction, the notable star cast, featuring Tabu, Kal Penn, and the late Irrfan Khan, brings the story to life, as the latter’s cultural indifference gradually melts away to leave him with a newfound respect for his heritage.

4) So Far from India (Directed by Mira Nair)

Ashok Sheth is one of many Indian immigrants working in subway newsstands in New York City. This documentary follows his first journey back home to Ahmedabad, where he is forced to confront the conflicts between his ancestral culture and his new life in America. Mira Nair, in her film, has showcased the life of a first-generation immigrant and the expectations that the family has from him. The documentary is available for viewing on YouTube.

5) Pardaa (Written & Directed by Kajri Babbar)

In an intense short film Kajri Babbar, highlights the life of a young female Muslim student of South Asian heritage, who is excelling in her education in the UK. Her life, however, is full of hardships as the only breadwinner in her family. The storyline showcases the indignity and inequality women face in society. Every second of this 16-minute film gives you goosebumps. Kajri Babbar has beautifully showcased the difficult student life abroad, in a very daring story line.

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This article is published under the project "Lost In Immigration: the art & cultural heritage of Indian Immigrants" by Tejasvi Arneja