Entertainment /
Rup Magon Tackles The Issue Of Tolerance With “Bonjour Ji”
When music and social issues collide, it creates the perfect platform for a short film worth every second.
Apart from international world tours with JoSH the BaND, Rup Magon has found time to act in a passion project — Bonjour Ji, which played the festival curcuit in the summer of 2015 and was released free to the public on YouTube in December. It also won the best short award at the International Film Festival of South Asia 2015, Best North American Short Award at the Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival and at the DC South Asian Film Festival.
We sat down with Magon to discuss this very unique and thought-provoking film.
Taras Babiak: How did this project come into your life?
Rup Magon: When I was first contacted for Bonjour Ji, I was working on the film The Black Prince directed by Kavi Raz. The producer of Bonjour Ji, Surjit Pahwa, and director Satinder Kassoana, had approached me with a script that I was not very fond of. However, I immediately connected to the concept and knew that we had to do something with this. But if I was going to be a part of the project, it had to ultimately be re-written. I conveyed that if we were going to get any message of love and acceptance across, it was very important not to point any fingers. We first have to address our own fears and misconceptions and then move forward. My director was completely in tune with that and then went off to write a masterpiece.
TB: How did the team come to decide that you guys would release this film free to the public?
RM: Although we were still racking up awards at film festivals, we wanted to reach a wider audience in order to share the message. We received hundreds of emails and messages on Facebook people wanting to watch the film. We realized YouTube was going to be our best means to show the film to the large audience. It got 20,000 hits in one month!
TB: Can you give us a glimpse into your upbringing?
RM: I was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec. I was the only one amongst my cousins who was put into French immersion. I never really had any issues growing up in the French system until I started wearing my turban in grade 5. It was my own decision to let my hair grow. It certainly was different going to school now, but my friends never changed. It's amazing how children are innocent and loving without any prejudices. Being a turbaned Sikh in Quebec has had its own challenges, but nothing we can't grow from. Quebecois are a very loving community.
Rup Magon
Photo Credit: Rup Magon
TB: Can you describe how ethnic discrimination is still a problem in Quebec?
RM: Like with any small society that is holding onto its roots and traditions, I feel that Quebec keeps a close eye on making sure that their core values, such as the French language, are not messed with. We have to remember that Quebec belongs to a big bad English Canada. It's possible to feel threatened isn't it? That being said, if we want to live there, we should simply learn the language. I don't think that's a very tough pill to swallow. It would be the same anywhere else in the world.
TB: Did you personally ever feel any discrimination in your won personal life similar to the discrimination your character experienced in the film?
RM: Yes many times. However, its important to understand that I also felt a lot of love and acceptance as well.
Bonjour Ji
Photo Credit: Punjab2000.com
Photo Credit: Punjab2000.com
Bonjour Ji
Photo Credit: YouTube.com
Photo Credit: YouTube.com
TB: How would you describe the message of this film?
RN: The message is simple. We all have misconceptions and pre-conceived prejudices about others. By communicating, we can create a bridge to understanding one another and ultimately see that although we have many similarities, "being different is quite alright."
TB: Can you describe the audience reception during the film festival screenings?
RN: Audiences were moved to say the least. Applause mixed with heavy emotions, tears and a sense of new understanding.
TB: And finally, is there anything else you would like people to know about Bonjour Ji?
RN: On behalf of the cast, crew, director and producer, I'd like to thank everyone who donated money to this project. Without their help it would've been very difficult for us to fund the project. Please share the message with everyone you know, just a little can make a big difference. I'd love your comments and suggestions anywhere on social media Facebook/instagram/twitter: @RupMagon
Main Image Photo Credit: Rup Magon
_3eb-180x167.jpg){kind=avatar}
Taras Babiak
Author
Taras is a freelance blogger, video editor and screenwriter. He is the co-writer of "Made In Bali," which recently won Best Short Film of the year from the Director's Guild of Canada.
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
How PBS Series 'Renegades' Celebrates American History's Most Badass Disabled Changemakers
-
14 Bollywood Remakes Vs. Their Hollywood Originals - Who Did It Better?
-
Catch Pakistan's 1st Ever Hand-Drawn Animated Film 'The Glassworker' & Other South Asian Films At Reel Asian Festival
-
World Mental Health Day: How Bollywood Has Used Its Power Of Storytelling To Address Mental Health Stigmas
-
Highlights Of Archie Panjabi, Neeru Bajwa & Iman Vellani At iSAFF2024
-
3x Emmy-Nominated Television Host & Producer Rasha Goel Launches New Podcast "Beyond the Glam" - Premiering Today!
-
Does Bollywood Accurately Portray Financial Struggles of India's Working Class?
-
Canada’s International South Asian Film Festival (iSAFF) Triumphantly Unveils Its Thrilling 2024 Lineup!
-
TIFF 2024: Our Chat With Writer-Director-Star Srinivas Krishna On The 4K Restoration Of His Hidden Canadian Classic ‘Masala’
-
TIFF 2024: First-Time Filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi Dishes On ‘Boong,’ Her Funny & Profound Modern-Day Folk Tale Told From A Child's Point Of View
-
Nepotism Or Repetitive Content - What's Causing Bollywood's Slump Versus Punjabi & South Indian Cinema's Surge
-
Must-Watch Patriotic Films From India & Pakistan For Your Independence Day Celebrations
-
Villainous Vixens: How Bollywood's Leading Ladies Are Redefining Cinema's Most Memorable Antagonists
-
'Girls Will Be Girls' Wins Big At The 2024 Indian Film Festival Of Los Angeles (IFFLA)
-
OTT Revolution: How Streaming Platforms Are Transforming Indian Cinema
-
A Train Bloodbath With A 90% On Rotten Tomatoes - Why You Should Watch TIFF-Acclaimed Indian Action Flick 'Kill'
-
The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) Celebrates Its 22nd Edition June 27-30 With An Incredible Lineup Of 21 Films
-
Pride Month & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Representation in South Asian Cinema
-
From Stoic Protectors to Emotional Anchors: A Father’s Day Tribute Through Hindi Cinema
-
Exploring South Asian Intergenerational Sacrifice With 'The Wrong Bashir', Now Playing In Toronto
-
Bollywood & Beyond: Must-Watch Films for Vibrant Insight Into Muslim Cultures
-
Over 50 Films From 9 Countries At The Eclectic South Asian Film Festival Montreal (May 24 - June 3)
-
Mother's Day Special: How Bollywood & Hollywood Super Moms Show Us Women Can Have It All!
-
Emerging Talents and Established Icons: Celebrate South Asian Heritage Month with Us!
-
Revealing Truths: South Asian Cinema's Contribution to Earth Day Awareness
-
Review: Monkey Man - Dev Patel Sets the Screen Ablaze with Electrifying Action
-
Exclusive Q&A With Diljit Dosanjh on the Dil-Luminati Tour and the Exciting Simplii Collaboration!
-
12 South Asian Female Artists Who Are Changing Hollywood's Landscape
-
Transitional Representation of South Asian Women in The World of Entertainment
-
Hot February 2024 Films From Bollywood And Beyond!
-
How Jesse "Punjabi Timbit" Singh Explores Emotional Healing Through His Comedy
-
Rukus Avenue Radio, The World's #1 South Asian Radio Station, Joins The iHeartRadio App
-
From Silent Frames To Global Fame: Key Moments That Shaped Bollywood
-
Hot January 2024 Films From Bollywood And Beyond!
-
Kerala Actor Santhy Balachandran Celebrates Her Three Incredible Releases In 2023
-
Hot December 2023 Films From Bollywood And Beyond!
-
The Real Reason Why Bollywood Directors Love English In Their Titles
-
Diwali Dance Fest Makes History at Walt Disney World® Resort!
-
TIFF 2023: Deepa Mehta and Sirat Taneja Share Why 'I Am Sirat’ Is The Transgender Story To Be Told
-
The International South Asian Film Festival 2023 (iSAFF) Wraps With A Celebration Of Outstanding Global South Asian Pathbreakers
-
TIFF 2023: 'We Grown Now' Director Minhal Baig Shares With Us Why Neighbourhood Stories Should Be Told
-
Event Alert: BMO International Film Festival Of South Asia Toronto (IFFSA) Is Every Filmi Lover's Dream
-
TIFF 2023: ‘The Queen of My Dreams’ Reigns Over TIFF With Style, Wit And Heart
-
The 21st Indian Film Festival Of Los Angeles (IFFLA) Returns With A Bang!
-
Brendan D'Souza Will Never Cheat On Their One True Love (Stand Up!)
-
Event Alert: South Asian Global Cinema Takes Centre Stage At The International South Asian Film Festival
-
Diwali Comes Alive At Walt Disney World With The First Ever Diwali Dance Fest
-
TIFF 2023: 11 South Asian Films Coming To The Toronto International Film Festival
-
Hot September 2023 Films From Bollywood And Beyond!
-
Singers Karan Aujla & Jonita Gandhi Sign On To Warner Music Canada/India's Label '91 North Records'
-
4 Ways Alia Bhatt Steals The Show In The Hot Netflix Film "Heart Of Stone"
-
Priyanka And Nick Jonas Get Ready For The Jonas Brothers' Tour At Yankee Stadium!
-
Hot August 2023 Films From Bollywood And Beyond!
-
5 Reasons Why You Should Watch “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani”
-
JFL Exclusive: How Comedian Zarna Garg Showed Kevin Hart That Brown Women Can Be Funny Too
-
JFL Exclusive: Award-Winning Podcast Comedian Maddy Kelly Is The Next Gen Star
-
Hot July 2023 Films From Bollywood And Beyond!
-
Event Alert: “Mughal-E-Azam: The Musical" Kicks Off Canadian Tour With Upcoming Toronto Stop
-
#ANOKHI20: The ANOKHI Emerald Ball Was The Perfect Grand Finale To ANOKHI’s 20th Anniversary Celebrations
-
Pride 2023: 10 Bollywood Films That Honour Our Desi LGBTQIA+ Family