A Warrior’s Religion
Documentary | Canada | 2009 | 101 minutes 
Director: Mani Amar
Language: English
Produced by Films Of Fire
“This is what a 6 foot guy is reduced to…a case like this…” – Eileen Mohan, mother/spokesperson (showing the bag that carried the urn with her son’s ashes in the film)
Synopsis
The South Asian community in Greater Vancouver has been shaken by youth and gang violence. Grim statistics, such as the death of more than 100 South Asian males in their 20s over the past 19 years, show the magnitude of this epidemic. Sikhism is a predominant religion in the South Asian community in Greater Vancouver, and most of the gang-related murder victims are Sikh. Youth and gang violence is not slowing down; violent crimes have been increasing significantly in this community over the past few years. By creating much needed awareness, we have the ability to protect our youth.
This bold documentary is self-financed by director Mani and took him three years to complete. It is poetic in nature and told in the manner of an unbiased editorial. It features interviews with community leaders, media personalities, and other prominent figures in the South Asian community, along with historical references, news footage, crime statistics, South Asian youth interviews, and cultural comparisons. It wishes to bring awareness to anyone who has misconceptions about this culture, including those within the South Asian community itself. Though strong references are made toward Sikhism, this documentary will relate its issues to other cultures and communities as well.
The Filmmaker
MANI AMAR ( Director / Producer)
Mani Amar is a film director, poet, artist, and an aspiring actor. His strong beliefs in activism for environment and sustainability, poverty abolishment, and human rights made him pursue a film directing career. In 2006, preproduction and filming began on A Warrior’s Religion.Mani wanted to create documentaries and films that evoke audiences’ emotions and create public awareness. Also, Mani is published in national poetic anthologies and is an award-winning graphics artist.
Director Mani Amar will be attending the screening.
