Set in New York City, SWEET AMERIKA is the moving story of Sikh shop owner Balbir “Bobby” Singh (Gulshan Grover), an American Sikh who is kidnapped and tortured by a hateful and misguided gang of hoods who seek reprisals following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The film is inspired by true events such as the murder of an Arizona-based Sikh businessman Balbir Singh Sodhi. The film was released in Canadian theatres on September 19, 2008 and the US in May 2009. It will soon be released on VOD platforms around the world.

Here is what the Critics are saying about Sweet Amerika:

“[Director R. Paul] Dhillon does a great job slicing through language, prejudice, racial stereotyping and outward appearances to get to the emotional heart of the matter and illustrate what hate looks like.”

Katherine Monk – Canada’s National Movie Critic (Canwest News Service)

REFLECTIONS – SOUTH ASIAN STORIES

Producer/Director/Writer
(2014-2016) (HD-Video)

An 8-part one-hour Documentary profiling leaders, newsmakers, achievers and luminaries from the South Asian community in Canada, featuring the likes of first Indo-Canadian-South Asian BC cabinet minister Moe Sihota, activist Harsha Walia, Olympian Arjan Bhullar and former Supreme Court just Wallace Taru “Wally” Oppal as well as doing art specific documentary featuring working South Asian actors in Vancouver and one complete Punjabi Doc on the Punjabi language. The Doc Series began airing early January 2016 on OMNI Television and will continue to air in the coming years.

The documentary on Moe Sihota has been additionally acquired by CBC’s Documentary Channel to begin airing later in 2016 and 2017.

Producer/Director/Writer
(2011-2013) (HD-Video)

A 13-part musical half-hour Documentary series on the pioneers of folk and fusion Bhangra music. Produced for Rogers OMNI television in Toronto, Bhangralicious aired across Canada in 2014 in it is entirety and will continue to air on OMNI in the coming years.)

THE BHANGRA GENERATION

Producer/Director/Writer
(2006/2007) (DV-Video)

An-hour long documentary on the new world music phenomenon called Bhangra music, which fuses traditional Punjabi folk from India and western musical styles such as pop/rock.Produced for Rogers OMNI television in Toronto, The Bhangra Generation made its Canadian television premiere on Sept. 24, 2008. The film was later acquired by CBC’s specialty channel BOLD.

THE SAINT SOLDIER

Co-Producer
(1999/2000) (Beta video)

One-hour documentary on B.C.’s Sikh community, heritage and culture. Produced for Baton Broadcasting’s Vancouver Television (CTV) and Vision TV.

PLANET AAJ

Wrote, Produced and Directed
(1997/98) (Beta video)

One hour South Asian Variety show showcasing South Asian arts, culture and music. The focus of the show was to showcase the multiplicity of dances from India’s diverse cultures. Produced for Baton Broadcasting’s Vancouver Television (VTV) - for their Applause Series.

SLICES OF MY LIFE

Wrote, Produced and Directed
(1993/94) (3/4 inch video, approx. 15 min.

A man recounts his life in a final video post before it is the END! Looking at the conflicts of identity and culture within the multicultural mosaic of Canada. Funded by B.C. Ministry of Tourism and Multiculturalism

TEARS AND SIGHS

Produced and Directed
(1993) (3/4 inch video, approx. 25 minutes)

The half hour drama examined the effects of alcohol on the social fabric of the community and personal lives of individuals in a family. Produced for OASIS - a South Asian community organization devoted to immigrant settlement, social and intercultural issues. Received Award for Community Awareness of the Abuses of Alcohol

SOUTH VAN STUD

Wrote and Directed
(1992) (Stage Play for Youth Fest)

A play that examined male chauvinism and male identity in the context of Punjabi-Indo-Canadian culture. It was taged exclusively at OASIS's Expressions `92 Youth Arts Festival

WATNO DUR (P.C.T.V.)

Wrote, Co-produced and Directed
(1992)

A Punjabi language 1/2 hr. Television Variety program on the Rogers Multicultural Channel examining the community’s diverse cultural fabric.

AUTUMN LEAVES

Co-wrote, Produced and D.O.P.
(1990/91) (16mm short film)

A poetic look at the last few days of a Japanese playwright’s life. Beautifully photographed and acted with a highly stylized look. Selected at Montreal Student Film Festival

THE REFUGEE

Wrote, Produced and Directed
(1990) (16mm short film)

A blend of music and images tell a story of an immigrant who goes mad from the trials and tribulations of being a foreigner.

ZOOM OUT

Wrote, Produced and Directed
(1989) (3/4 inch video)

Examining the life of an artist gone mad for SFU Video class

LIFE AT A TERMINAL:

Wrote, Produced and Directed
(1989) (8mm short film)

Snippets of life in the artery of the city, at a busy skytrain terminal where traffic never stops.