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 Filmmakers have the tools at their command to depict anything - no issue or catastrophe is too large. They have the ability to reach in and underscore a viewer’s emotions. However, should filmmakers appeal to what is nihilistic in audiences or accept their responsibilities and aspire to make sense of what is otherwise overwhelming and chaotic?
In recent months, daily coverage on gang murders and shootings has been prevalent. For more than a decade, the community has been struggling with the issue of gang violence. Aspiring to make sense of the chaos, impelled Mani Amar to take action and create a part documentary, part video-poem, entitled "A Warrior’s Religion." The movie seeks to find the answer to a controversial question about gang violence and the Sikh community. Amar asserts that the movie poster symbol has sparked much controversy, but was used to evoke a shock value and not to lay blame on Sikhism. "The movie is not an expose of our religion, in fact violence is not a part of our religion, and it needs to be understood that in no way is any religion linked to violence."
The movie release may have been perfect timing, but also alludes to people becoming tired of spending their money on movies that trample their faith or make fun of their values. Amar states, "People want to see movies that inspire them. It is also about trying to affect culture in a positive way. It is about core values. It is not the subject, but rather the intentions that determine the possibilities of a film."
The documentary certainly serves as a voice and vehicle for empowerment. Amar says he isn't trying to provoke controversy, but he has shed light on a very controversial topic, "Out of 130 deaths, hundred have been linked to South Asians between 1990 and 2005. Our community has long ignored these gang-related deaths and we need to be the vehicles of change. If we're going to make a difference, we can't ignore the culture that we live in," he said. "It's a risky project, but an exciting one."
Typically, ethnic groups resort to violence to move above a state of oppression and get ahead by seizing power and prestige through violence. "South Asians being immersed in gang violence does not make sense, they are an anomaly factor- we don’t have financial oppression because we come from middle to upper class levels. These individuals have been given everything, which is why this is so perplexing," states Amar.
The filmmaker does examine some interesting social and cultural elements that may have contributed to the violence. "Within our culture we encourage male bravado and acquisitiveness. The parents of these kids work extremely hard and these kids are not willing to work hard, but want all the luxuries. Our society also measures worth by what kind of car we drive, our clothes, and how much money we attain – this helps to push young men into a lifestyle where money is easy. Finally, the parents of gangsters turn a blind eye to what activities their children are undertaking," states Amar.
Amar also points out that the Lower Mainland is a fertile ground for gang activity for three reasons. Young immigrant men are recruited into gang activity for cultural and social reasons. Secondly, Vancouver has developed as a port city, so drugs move through the area. Lastly, BC marijuana is in such high demand, it trades pound for pound with cocaine, and is often traded for guns.
"Media portrayal of young South Asian males, accessibility to guns, drugs, and money- all work as barriers holding our community down," states Amar. However, he hopes his movie evokes change "We need to show the world that we are not about killing each other," he continues, "We’re actually doing something." Ultimately, the movie wrestles with ideas of choice and responsibility. Although it is a film about violence, at a deeper level it is a meditation on choosing a destiny.
When asked, what influence Amar hopes his movie will have on South Asians, specifically young South Asians, he states, "It is not my goal to influence the South Asian Community and its youth. Instead, I wish to empower everyone that watches the film with enough awareness that they can intern make positive decisions. I see myself as someone who wanted to make a sincere difference. If that makes people see me as a role model, I humbly accept. I pray that there are enough positive role models to help bring awareness to the many other social issues," states Amar.
When asked how he will be celebrating and what message he has for all South Asians, Amar states, "Most likely I will be working during Vaisakhi to help reduce the debt garnered in the making of this film. A message to all South Asians is to have a safe and family oriented celebration."
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