“American Made” is a courageous film following the 9/11 tragedy — the poignant story of a stranded Sikh American family.

“Rarely does a film garner unanimous consensus among our jury … “American Made” was one gem that did.”
- Director Monika Moreno, Angelus Student Film Festival

My Personal Connection to These Films:
I received several very thoughtful Christmas presents from my adult children this year: a scarf from my daughter, gloves from one son and a ski hat from another (I must look really cold these days!). My son, Michael, got me a really cool tam-o’-shanter — a stylish, yet utilitarian, hat (especially for the “hair challenged”!). It’s been really cold in Boise lately, and I’ve been wearing my tam every day. My son’s gift got me thinking about hats and the significance they have in many religious communities. Turban, topi, yarmulke, Amish straw, or any type of headwear … each is important to the wearer and can serve as an outer symbol of an inner faith.

This week’s feature film, “Topi,” tells the story of one such “hat” and the meaning to both the wearer and a stranger he encounters. As a Windrider encore presentation, I have chosen the amazing film, “American Made,” because it’s another great and moving “headwear” story — this one about a son and his father (who proudly wears a turban).

“Topi,” based on a conflict that took place over 60 years ago, seems eerily relevant today, as religion continues to serve as a flashpoint for conflict around the globe. Rihan’s visual fundamentals, combined with a solid directorial prism, lay the foundation for a well-developed storyline that cuts across cultural barriers and stimulates conversation. When done well, animated storytelling is a fine and beautiful art form. “Topi” is an example of this form at its best. We are pleased to offer these two high-quality films for our Windrider Windy Wednesday audience. We believe you will enjoy both — wholeheartedly.

“Topi”: Director’s Biography:

Originally from Pune, India, Arjun Rihan studied Computer Science and Economics as an undergraduate at Stanford University. He recently graduated with an MFA from the John C. Hench Division of Animation & Digital Arts at the University of Southern California, and ‘Topi’ is his thesis film. Arjun is currently a Camera/Staging Artist at Pixar Animation Studios.

“Topi”: Noted Screenings, Awards, Honors:
This 6.17-minute Samaritan-like tale is presented in 3-D computer animation and features streamlined-yet-evocative imagery. The film was an Angelus finalist for Best Animation and one of five finalists for the HBO Short Film award at the South Asian Film Festival. Writer/director/animator Rihan (http://www.arjunrihan.com/ ), a film student at the University of Southern California, has screened “Topi” at festivals on several continents, including Siggraph Asia and the River to River Indian Film Festival in Florence, Italy.

Click here to visit Arjun Rihan’s website.

“American Made”: Noted Screenings, Awards, Honors:
This outstanding film has captured the attention of film critics worldwide, garnering 17 honors at some 40 festivals. http://windriderforum.org/2009/06/10/sharat-raju-is-american-made/

Raju was with us at our very first Windrider Forum, at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival. He and his film, “American Made,” served as the perfect “opening act” for 5+ years of interacting with incredible films and filmmakers at Windrider Forums worldwide. We hope you will enjoy another golden opportunity to view it again. If this is your first time, we are confident you will be thankful for every one of the 25 minutes you’ll spend with this eye- and mind-opening story.

(Click image to view film.)