Get Yer Poonjabi On

Somewhere amidst the bhangra dancing, henna booths, overpriced and undercooked samosas, and pent-up sexual tension and confusion evidenced by gangsta posturing and vicariously released by eventual drunken brawling (all obligatory for any desi event), this year's Punjabi American Festival will be showcasing Valarie Kaur and Sharat Raju's excellent and must-see film documentary, Divided We Fall. Here's a synopsis from the official site:

Driven to action by the murder of a turbaned man in her community, a college student drives across America in the aftermath of 9/11 to discover stories that did not make the evening news. From the still-shocked streets of Ground Zero to the desert towns of the American West, Valarie Kaur's inspiring journey uncovers remarkable stories of hate violence, fear, and unspeakable loss – until she finds the heart of America halfway around the world in the words of widow. Five years in the making, Divided We Fall: Americans in the Aftermath deftly explores race, religion, and what it means to be American in times of national crisis.

*Spoiler Alert* People are murdered senselessly and justice goes seemingly unserved. Though this may well be a fact of life, you'll be no less be surprised to see the reaction against the senselessness of the hate and violence and be moved by the uncommon kindness and compassion complete strangers are capable of sharing. Valarie is as much as a friend to me as she is an inspiration, and those who stick around after the film for the Q&A will have a chance to talk to this extraordinary person and share their own thoughts and experiences with 9/11 and the ensuing backlash against minorities. I urge anyone attending this year's festival or those in the Yuba City area to watch the film; everyone else can check the tour page to see when DWF will be playing locally or contact the team to schedule a showing near you.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I must return to my preparation for the festival: I still have to go buy an iced-out Om chain and work on my gangsta lean.