Artistic Statement

There have been many shootings and violent crimes targeting the South Asian community since 9/11 influenced by anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant sentiments, but I was struck by the recent murder in Kansas City, where the assailant was bold enough to scream “get out of my country.” I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was and is becoming the norm. I’ve dealt with my own racially charged experiences, but I was shocked that, in a liberal city, the day after our presidential election, I was yelled at to “go back to my own country, Osama!” That hasn’t happened in years.

Recent events have emboldened the worst in society. And not many people recognize the fear that many Indian Americans currently live under as a result. I want to tell a story that explores these racial tensions growing in our country. I wrote Pagg to share what that experience is like.

My family is Sikh. I was raised Sikh. I decided to center the film around a Sikh American because Sikhs are an underrepresented minority within the larger South Asian community. The general public doesn’t know much about Sikhs, and because of that, they are often the targets of these violent crimes. I'm hoping that by placing the spotlight on this community, it will help audiences recognize that we all share the same American values.

American’s come in all shapes, sizes, colors, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Help us shed light on a disenfranchised and underrepresented community. Help us make Pagg.

Cast & Crew

Social Impact

• Over 4.3 million South Asians live in the United States (SAALT)
• More than 500,000 Sikhs live in America (Pew Research Center 2010)
• U.S. hate crimes up 20 percent in 2016, fueled by election (Reuters)
• The F.B.I. cataloged a total of 5,818 hate crimes in 2015 — a rise of about 6 percent over the previous year — including assaults, bombings, threats, and property destruction against minorities, women, gays and others.
• The number of mixed-race Americans is growing three times faster than the U.S. population as a whole. The U.S. Census projects the multiracial population will triple by 2060. In the 1970s, 1 percent of children were of mixed race. That number has grown to 10 percent. (Pew Research Center)

We hope that Pagg will not only bring awareness to the tragic epidemic that is growing in our country but also advance the Asian American narrative by showcasing a Sikh American, an underrepresented and often misunderstood minority, as a complex and fully realized character.

What We Need Funding For

This story needs to be told right. That means that we are going to be putting every dollar we can on the screen. It takes a lot of moving pieces to make a movie work, and we have brought on an excellent team of creatives who will be extremely important in making this film look fantastic!

We need to acquire lights, cameras, props, and costumes, locations, sound design, an original score, as well as pay our cast and crew.

This money will cover production and post-production.

• Production Staff - $1900
• Locations/Travel/Lodging/Meals - $4470
• Cast - $750
• Equipment - $1000
• Production Design and Wardrobe - $750
• Insurance/Permits - $250
• Post-Production - $1000
• Marketing/Festival Submissions - $1000
• Contingency - $880

Total: $12,000

Risks & Challenges

The process of making a film is typically a challenging endeavor even in post-production. Our team of seasoned professionals with years of experience among them are committed to and capable of delivering a superlative film that will make all of its contributors proud to have been along for the ride, and the same will apply to the effects technicians we bring on board to help bring the world of PAGG to life. We know that with the financial resources you provide us, we will be able to deliver a product that reflects the passion of our wonderful cast, talented crew, and most importantly, YOU, our enthusiastic donors. With your support, we will make it our mission to meet every challenge and overcome every obstacle with ingenuity, creativity, and passion.

Other Ways You Can Help

If you can't help financially, you can still help by sharing this campaign on your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and any other social media platform you may have. You can also email it out to your friends and family. Help us get the word out so we can make Pagg a reality!