Center for Asian American Media

Based on the memoirs of the filmmaker’s grandmother, TURBANS explores the inner struggles of an Asian Indian immigrant family torn between their cultural traditions and the desire for social acceptance in America. Although born in the United States, the Singh boys are attacked for being different. The turbans they wear, a tradition sacred to their Sikh ancestors, serve only to identify them as outsiders in the prejudiced landscape of Astoria, Oregon, circa 1918.

“…a powerful and compelling film that delivers a moving, complex examination about the tough choices made for the sake of cultural and religious assimilation.”

- The Independent

“Especially notable…adroit [and] lyrical…”

- Los Angeles Times

Awards
Silver Award, Historical Short Film, Worldfest, Houston
Golden Reel Award, Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film & Video Festival
USA Film Festival, Dallas, Finalist Award

Recognition
Telluride IndieFest
British Short Film Festival
San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival
Desh-Pardesh International Festival of Arts, Culture & Politics, Toronto
National PBS Broadcast

Additional Resources
More about TURBANS from the director. »
Turbans Study Guide for grades 6 and up »

College/Institution

K-12/Public Library/Community Group