Film poem screening "Mistaken Identity" and debate

Film poem screening "Mistaken Identity" and debate

Mother-son duo’s film poem "Mistaken Identity" is coming to the University of Sheffield

In their debut film Mistaken Identity, author and filmmaker Jasbirr Grover and her son Jagraj Singh bring the discussion about the resilience of South Asian communities needed to face challenges, particularly the Sikh community, due to their distinct cultural identity and attire.

Mistaken Identity began as a powerful poem by Jasbirr, who completed her master’s in creative writing at the age of 50 as an international student in the UK. Determined to raise awareness about cultural identity and acceptance, Jasbirr channelled her poetic voice into this film project. The film represents a shared dream between her and her son, Jagraj, who moved to Sheffield together in January 2023 to bring this vision to life. The film took 5 years to complete, and the filmmakers overcame many challenges during the journey of creating it.

Their journey reflects a passion to inspire understanding through storytelling and to use the power of poetry and film to explore themes of belonging, identity, and resilience.

The film screening will be followed by an engaging Q+A panel discussion with the filmmakers Jasbirr Grover and Jagraj Singh, journalist Livia Barreira and University of Sheffield lecturers. It has the aim to spark a meaningful conversation around cultural identity and acceptance between academia and community. To finish the event, Jasbirr will treat us to an exclusive reading of one of her poems from her new book: Reflection of Life.

Film synopsis: In Mistaken Identity, director Jagraj Singh tells the powerful story of a young Sikh man who confronts prejudice and self-doubt while embracing his cultural roots. The film begins in a modest living room, where our protagonist watches news reports highlighting hate crimes and racism, his mother beside him, visibly anxious. Her silent concern serves as a reminder of the fear that shadows their lives due to their religious and cultural identity. This moment awakens the protagonist’s own recollections of being misunderstood and mistreated in the world beyond their home.

A flashback reveals a past incident at a security checkpoint, where the protagonist is asked to remove his turban, a sacred symbol of his faith, before taking an important exam. Calm but firm, he explains his religious beliefs to the security guard, advocating for his right to retain his identity. After tense moments of resistance, he is eventually allowed to proceed, a small but significant victory in an unjust encounter. Despite the resolution, the encounter leaves an emotional mark that fuels his internal conflict.

The following morning, the film shifts to a series of intimate shots capturing the protagonist’s morning rituals, each movement a testament to the depth of his cultural devotion. As he combs his hair and ties his turban, these acts become more than simple routines; they are affirmations of identity and quiet resilience. Yet, these memories linger as a reminder of the prejudice he might encounter at any time, pulling him between pride and fear.

About Jasbirr Grover:

Jasbirr Grover is a self-taught doodler, writer, and poet who began her creative journey at the age of 50, proving it’s never too late to push boundaries and redefine your purpose. Deeply inspired by her Punjabi and Sikh heritage, Jasbirr’s work blends heartfelt poetry with intricate hand-drawn illustrations, exploring themes of identity, faith, resilience, and self-discovery. Her art and writing celebrate individuality while honouring the cultural and spiritual connections that ground us. Standout works include Mistaken Identity, a powerful poem transformed into a film in collaboration with her son, exploring cultural acceptance, identity, and resilience. Her debut poetry collection, Reflection of Life, is the culmination of two years of dedication and creativity. Divided into six sections—Loss and Longing, Resilience and Renewal, Faith and Reflection, Everyday Life and Identity, The Transformation, and Expression—the collection reflects on life’s beauty, the strength found in faith, and the courage to live authentically.

About Jagraj Singh:

Jagraj Singh is an emerging filmmaker and storyteller driven by a passion for exploring cultural identity and social impact through film. Based in Sheffield, Jagraj has directed, produced, and edited his debut short film, Mistaken Identity, a poignant exploration of the Sikh experience and the complexities surrounding identity in a diverse world. His work is inspired by legendary cinematographers like Greig Fraser, Lawrence Sher, and Roger Deakins, whose cinematic artistry fuels his approach to visual storytelling. Jagraj's experience spans various roles within film production, from cinematography to gaffing, giving him a solid foundation in lighting and camera techniques. His projects reflect a commitment to showcasing resilience, cultural heritage, and acceptance, aiming to foster empathy and understanding. With a unique blend of technical expertise and powerful storytelling, Jagraj is dedicated to creating films that resonate deeply with audiences and inspire dialogue on important social themes.

About Livia Barreira:

Livia Barreira is a freelance journalist, writer and Sheffield ambassador for migrant communities. She is originally from Brazil and she uses her skills in Communications to bring people together in Sheffield. Livia is the author of the book Living in Sheffield: Our Journeys as Migrant Women. It celebrates the positive impact of migration, through the stories of 8 migrant women. Livia is a migrants rights activist who has been constantly working to support and empower people to feel proud of their origins and heritage, as well as their valuable contributions to our society. She runs a popular online platform called Living in Sheffield, where she uses the space to promote diversity and meaningful projects in Sheffield. Livia is part of Migrant Voice’s steering group for the campaign against extortionate visa fees in the UK. She is also the Audience Development Manager for Migration Matters Festival.