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Film Series: Bhaji on the Beach

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Film Series: Bhaji on the Beach

College of Arts and Humanities | History Wednesday, November 13, 2013 6:00 pm Shoemaker Building, 2102

Bhaji on the Beach

Discussion by Professor Marit Knollmeuller (English)

Synopsis: An assembly of Indian women, both immigrants and their British-born sisters, travel to the English seaside in this comic drama. The plot focuses on a trio of young women caught between tradition and independence: Ginder (Kim Vithana), who risks the uncertainties of social ostracism and single motherhood in order to escape from her abusive husband; Hashida (Sarita Khajuria), who jeopardizes her promising future in medical school when she becomes pregnant by her West Indian boyfriend (Mo Sesay); and Simi (Shaheen Khan), who integrates her feminist politics and her commitment to her culture by heading up the Saheli Asian Women's Group. To provide the women of her community with a chance to get together and enjoy themselves, Simi organizes a ladies-only trip to Blackpool, a seaside resort town that resembles Atlantic City. Along for the ride are boy-crazy teens, conservative matrons, and a garish visitor from Bombay, each of them offering a singular perspective on Asian immigrant culture. Asha (Lalita Ahmed), a middle-aged wife, mother, and newsstand proprietor, spends much of the trip experiencing picturesque visions in which an Indian goddess reprimands her for the missed opportunities in her life. Introspection gets pre-empted, however, when Ginder's husband (Jimmi Harkishin) and his brothers show up looking for a little involuntary family reunion.

Please join us in watching these excellent films centered on the experience of migration and migrants - all are free and open to the public. Professors will lead short discussions about the films, and food and refreshments will be served.

For more information, please visit The Center For The History Of The New America.

 

Add to Calendar 11/13/13 6:00 PM 11/13/13 6:00 PM America/New_York Film Series: Bhaji on the Beach

Bhaji on the Beach

Discussion by Professor Marit Knollmeuller (English)

Synopsis: An assembly of Indian women, both immigrants and their British-born sisters, travel to the English seaside in this comic drama. The plot focuses on a trio of young women caught between tradition and independence: Ginder (Kim Vithana), who risks the uncertainties of social ostracism and single motherhood in order to escape from her abusive husband; Hashida (Sarita Khajuria), who jeopardizes her promising future in medical school when she becomes pregnant by her West Indian boyfriend (Mo Sesay); and Simi (Shaheen Khan), who integrates her feminist politics and her commitment to her culture by heading up the Saheli Asian Women's Group. To provide the women of her community with a chance to get together and enjoy themselves, Simi organizes a ladies-only trip to Blackpool, a seaside resort town that resembles Atlantic City. Along for the ride are boy-crazy teens, conservative matrons, and a garish visitor from Bombay, each of them offering a singular perspective on Asian immigrant culture. Asha (Lalita Ahmed), a middle-aged wife, mother, and newsstand proprietor, spends much of the trip experiencing picturesque visions in which an Indian goddess reprimands her for the missed opportunities in her life. Introspection gets pre-empted, however, when Ginder's husband (Jimmi Harkishin) and his brothers show up looking for a little involuntary family reunion.

Please join us in watching these excellent films centered on the experience of migration and migrants - all are free and open to the public. Professors will lead short discussions about the films, and food and refreshments will be served.

For more information, please visit The Center For The History Of The New America.

 

Shoemaker Building