The issues and concerns of the immigrant population can become touching stories in the hands of talented filmmakers. The diverse and multicultural experiences of people coming from different backgrounds make for an interesting mix of storytelling opportunities. This article features a roster of quality movies to watch about immigrant stories of Indians who came to the United States.
"The Journey" (1997)
Harish Saluja's "The Journey" tells the story of a retired Indian man who just lost his wife and decides to relocate to the United States, where his physician son is based. Although received warmly by his son's American family in Pittsburg, the cultural differences slowly cause difficulty inside the home.
A story about family love that tries to cross cultural boundaries, this film depicts both the cultural clashes and interesting discoveries in a multicultural family. As further complications set in, the members of the family need to decide what's best for each of them. This film won the Audience Award, along with a nomination for the Grand Jury Award, at the Florida Film Festival.
"Dollar Dreams" (2000)
"Dollar Dreams" is about a group of young friends who are all trying to decide whether to transfer to the United States for greener pastures or stay in India. The story revolves around the buzz of trying their luck in America to make quick bucks. The many characters featured in the story are all pressured and, at some point, consider taking up courses in computer and information technology for a better shot at going to America for work opportunities.
As the film progresses, it shows the varying beliefs and convictions of the characters, from those who think there is no point in making big money when people couldn't take care of their parents to those who really want to leave everything behind for a brand new life abroad. This film by Sekhar Kammula won the Best First Film of a New Director at the National Film Festival in India.
"The Namesake" (2006)
The Mira Nair motion picture drama "The Namesake" is an adaptation of Jhumpa Lahiri's bestselling novel of the same title. It tells the story of the first-generation son of Indian immigrants in the United States and how he tries to make a place for himself amid the cultural clashes he encounters in and out of their home. This leads to the complications of growing up in between his traditional home and the liberated, Americanized culture he encounters outside.
His cross-cultural experiences are told in visual and lyrical forms validated by the film's admirable pacing, direction, and acting performances. "The Namesake" won the Golden Aphrodite Award at the Love is Folly International Film Festival, Bulgaria, and also received nominations for Best Film at the Gotham Awards and Best Supporting Actor at the Independent Spirit Awards.
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