American Sikh

Vishavjit Singh and Ryan Westra's Oscar-qualifying short film offers both a profile of the author, cartoonist and activist and a plea for tolerance of difference.

Although, as indicated by the title, this is very American specific, variations on the racism faced by Singh in his homeland are experienced by many across the globe, especially those whose clothing marks them out as "different".

The animation used, accompanied by a zippy score from River Nason, fittingly takes its inspiration from superhero comic books as Singh, in voiceover, recalls his childhood in the US before his family relocated back to India. The assassination of Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards is recalled in stark black red - a colour scheme that will later be returned to for another tragedy.

This is not a downbeat film, but it emphasises the way that the actions of a few can have an enormous impact on those, who by accident of no more than religion, look like them. When Singh returned to the US he was met by a barrage of insults that led him, briefly, to jettison his Sikhism altogether. What happened next is perhaps best left for Singh to tell you - but it's a testimony to his ability to think outside the box of stereotypes in order to reframe and refocus the views of others.

The animation may be short, a little light on Singh's current career, and, perhaps, a little heavy on the violence for younger audiences who would appreciate other aspects of it, but it's big in terms of heart.