Divided We Fall: Americans in the Aftermath (2006)

User Rating:

6.8/10   

Director:

Sharat Raju

Writer:

Valarie Kaur (writer)

Genre:

Documentary

Plot:

When a turbaned Sikh man is brutally murdered in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, a college student journeys across America to discover who counts as "American" in times of crisis.

Plot Keywords:

September 11 2001 | Sikh | American | Road Trip | Balbir Sodhi

Awards:

2 wins

Runtime:

USA:110 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Punjabi

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Filming Locations:

Clovis, California, USA

Company:

New Moon Productions

Excellent and thought-provoking exploration of important issues

This film is an excellent exploration of the wider issues surrounding the hate crimes backlash after 9/11 against anyone perceived to be "Arab" or "Muslim." What does it mean when certain groups within American society are seen as "other," even if their families have been living here for generations? What does an American family "look like"? Told through the heart-rending personal narrative of a young Sikh woman, the film invites us all to explore our own stories and to take responsibility for how our own actions can shape who "we" as a country see as "one of us." This is a film not just about Sikhs or Muslims or those who were targets in the aftermath of 9/11, but about ALL Americans. It should be required viewing for all high school students!