New Documentary Je Suis Superhero Uses Comics to Explore Stereotypes

08 Apr 2016 - Have you ever wondered how stereotypes quickly become the norm? That's a question that Harleen Singh is exploring in her new documentary 'Je Suis Superhero'. The documentary currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter will explore racial gender and appearance stereotypes through the unique lens of comic books and cartoons.

"Comics provide a fascinating description of the society we live in" Singh said. "They not only incorporate storylines that are entertaining but they also capture the mood and culture of our times. Comic books with superheroes have been around since the World War 2 however they have not adapted to the diversity we see in our modern society. They continue to propagate stereotypical super heroes - male white wearing a cape possessing incredible superpowers etc. Women and diversity characters are rarely represented. It's a fantastic and creative back drop to say that super heroes are much more than the appearance - it is about the values."

The film follows three comic artists: Keith Knight a black cartoonist and the NAACP 2015 History maker and most highly regarded cartoonist in America whose work often satires racial issues. Eileen Kaur Alden who created the first Sikh superhero comic book character "Super Sikh Deep Singh" has challenged gender stereotypes throughout her creative life. Vishavjit Singh famous as the cosplayer Sikh Captain America evokes provocative responses while challenging stereotypical superheroes.

Eileen also helped conceptualize the documentary.

In Image 1 - Clockwise from top: Adam Elrashidi Eileen Kaur Alden Andrew Farago Dr. Arvind Signal Keith Knight Vishavjit Singh

The film also features experts who bring in additional insight on the cultural aspects of comics and how they either reinforce or shatter stereotypes. Andrew Farago the Curator of the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco Adam Elrashidi a producer at AlJazeera International and Dr. Arvind Singhal a renowned storyteller and expert in entertainment education bring their charm and set the stage for the audience to understand the serious topic in a friendly manner.

Brought to you by Kaur Films Harleen is the brains behind "Je Suis Superhero." She hopes her film makes you think. "The message of the film is about embracing diversity" Harleen said. "Stereotyping is a hot topic it is out there in newspapers it's in the political process and even sports. People are talking about racism and gender issues. This is clearly the right time for a story like Je Suis Superhero to carry the conversation forward and shatter falsehoods and preconceived notions."

In Image 2 - Harleen Singh Producer and Director Je Suis Superhero

"If you have to judge people then get to know them see and understand their actions and then make an informed decision. Looks are deceiving."

Support "Je Suis Superhero" by backing their Kickstarter campaign now live at http://bit.ly/JeSuisSuperhero through April 15 2016.

Singh is available for all interviews. Please contact her at harleen@kaurfilms.com

Video Link: http://player.vimeo.com/video/159073514

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