"Musafer" is a unique independent documentary film that was filmed in different cities, including Frankfurt, Paris, London, Delhi, and San Francisco, spanning from 2003 to 2009. The film delves into the lives of a new generation of Sikhs living abroad, highlighting their creative expressions and meaningful conversations about Sikh culture during times of social and political change.
Unlike traditional portrayals of Sikh traditions, "Musafer" focuses on the personal journeys of specific individuals, exploring their sense of belonging, and their efforts to bridge cultural boundaries. In this article, we will take a closer look at this extraordinary documentary and its exploration of the diasporic Sikh experience.
The World Premiere
Musafer made its debut at the Spinning Wheel Film Festival in Toronto, Canada, from the 25th to the 27th of February 2009. The screening took place at the stunning Royal Ontario Museum, in the "Crystal" area.
Following its successful Canadian premiere, the film went on to have its German premiere at the Intercultural Weeks in Frankfurt. The event took place on November 10, 2009, starting at 7:30 PM at the Haus am Dom, located at Domplatz 3, 60311 Frankfurt am Main City.
About the film-makers
Born and raised in Germany, filmmakers Michael Nijhawan and Khushwant Singh share a deep connection to Sikhi, Panjabi society, and culture, both on a personal and academic level. Their passion for these subjects shines through in their debut documentary film.
Michael Nijhawan, an associate professor of sociology at York University in Toronto, has devoted a significant part of his career to exploring Sikh and Panjabi society and culture, both in South Asia and within diasporic communities. He is the author of noteworthy books such as "Dhadi Darbar: Religion, Violence, and the Performance of Sikh History" (published by Oxford University Press) and "Shared Idioms, Sacred Symbols, and the Articulation of Identities in South Asia" (published by Routledge in 2009).
Khushwant Singh, on the other hand, plays a crucial role as the program coordinator at the Centre for International Migration and Development (CIM/GTZ) in Germany. His academic journey led him to study Social Anthropology, conducting research in both Panjab and Germany. Currently pursuing a PhD at Goldsmith College in London, Khushwant's research focuses on unaccompanied young refugees, reflecting his commitment to addressing pressing social issues. Moreover, Khushwant actively participates in interreligious dialogue as a member of the Council of Religions in Frankfurt. He takes a proactive role in teaching Sikhi to young individuals, authoring articles, and delivering enlightening lectures on the subject.
*Based on an article published on Musaferthefilm.com on 21st September 2009