Imtiaz Popat’s Documentary to be Featured at the South Asian Film Festival Online

TOM ZYTARUK, Surrey Now – Leader, March 21, 2023
A new version of Imtiaz Popat’s documentary depicting the racist murder of a caretaker at the Gurudwara in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, titled Hate Can Kill will be featured at the South Asian Film Festival of Montreal online from May 1st to 10th.

Shaheed Nirmal Singh Gill, the 65-year-old caretaker of the Guru Nanak Sikh temple on Scott Road, was beaten to death in its parking lot during his late-night watch on January. 4, 1998. Five young men who had ties to a neo-Nazi group called the Hammerskins were arrested for second-degree murder, but pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Two were sentenced to 18 years in prison and the other three were each sentenced to 15 years in prison. The term Shaheed applies to a martyr in the South Asian tradition.

Portrait of Nirmal Singh Gill, slain by skinheads in Surrey in 1998. Image provided by contributor

The new version of the film to mark the 25th anniversary of the murder, depicts the public outcry following murder. In July 1998, a march against racism in response to Gill’s death drew over 5000 people. Other such racist murders have taken place since, including at palaces of worship such as the murder of six people praying at a Mosque in Quebec City.

Imtiaz Popat, filmmaker

Sources:
Surrey Now – Leader

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064075958428

Author: ismailimail

Independent, civil society media featuring Ismaili Muslim community, inter and intra faith endeavors, achievements and humanitarian works.

One thought

  1. Well Done, Imtiaz.
    You’ve picked a good topic for the documentary. Would like to see it when shown here.
    Congratulations.

    Like

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