Dalj Brar never imagined he would be in the film industry, let alone releasing his second feature film to a global audience. But the former Kitimat, B.C., resident, now based in Vancouver, has done just that with Dil Rakh: Gloves of Kin, an action drama that recently debuted on Amazon Prime.
The English-language film tells the story of Sukh Sidhu, a man released from prison after 20 years who struggles to reconnect with his son, Dayton. As they attempt to rebuild their relationship, they face hostility from a corrupt sheriff, figures from Sukh91裸聊视频檚 past and the same deep-seated discrimination that has lingered in their town for decades.
Brar, who lived in Kitimat from 1976 to 1993, said the story is deeply personal, shaped by his own experiences growing up in a small community. 91裸聊视频淕rowing up in a small town, there weren91裸聊视频檛 many kids that looked like me. The word 91裸聊视频榤inority91裸聊视频� was stamped upon me, setting me apart. Back then, it meant little, yet in hindsight, this label became a beacon, attracting prejudice and misconceptions,91裸聊视频� he said.
While Dil Rakh is set in a fictional U.S. town, Brar said the themes in the film91裸聊视频攑articularly the father-son relationship and the community dynamics91裸聊视频攚ere inspired by his memories of Kitimat. 91裸聊视频淧eople from Kitimat will be able to relate to everything in the movie,91裸聊视频� he said. 91裸聊视频淵ou won91裸聊视频檛 recognize locations, of course, but you will recognize the feeling of the movie. That91裸聊视频檚 where I got all the inspiration from.91裸聊视频�
The film originally featured a hockey storyline, a reflection of Brar91裸聊视频檚 childhood passion, but he reworked it with a boxing theme to ensure broader global appeal. Despite the change, the film remains rooted in personal experience. 91裸聊视频淎lthough I escaped bullying, I witnessed its impact on those less fortunate, etching a vivid image of minority adolescence in my memory,91裸聊视频� he said.
Brar is clear that Dil Rakh is not about solving racism but about portraying how it persists across generations. 91裸聊视频淭hrough Dil Rakh, I aspire to unmask the perpetuation of discriminatory ideologies from one generation to another, seeping into impressionable minds with no counterbalance,91裸聊视频� he said. 91裸聊视频淩acism persists, evolving with time, victories and defeats etched into its history. While Dil Rakh promises entertainment, it bears a weightier purpose91裸聊视频攗rging its viewers to embrace a tapestry of cultures, ushering a potential end to this relentless war.91裸聊视频�
The film was shot in smaller municipalities in the Lower Mainland and is entirely Canadian-made and funded, featuring an all-Canadian cast and crew. Brar, a Leo Award-nominated actor, wrote, directed and produced the film, which won Best BC Film at the Sundar Prize Film Festival. It was released in the U.S. in November and became available in Canada in late January.
Brar, who has returned to Kitimat several times over the years to reconnect with friends, said the community remains an important part of his identity. 91裸聊视频淲hat matters is that you watch the movie and see that people like me, people with dark skin, are just normal people going through the same shit as everyone else.91裸聊视频�
