In 1972, Ugandan President Idi Amin announced that all South Asians had 90 days to leave the country. Among other countries, Canada offered an “honourable place” to almost 8,000 refugees. This documentary explores Canada’s first major migration of non-European and non-white refugees, set against the backdrop of African post-colonialism, a brutal military dictatorship, and changing Canadian attitudes to diversity. Their story of struggle and hope became part of Canada’s conversations about refugees and cultural pluralism and informed Canada’s response to future refugee movements.

Director Biography - Aleem Karmali

Aleem Karmali is an independent documentary filmmaker and writer from Edmonton, Canada. Through his company, Crescent Productions, Aleem makes thoughtful and balanced films that explore historical subjects relating to the intersections of diversity, culture, and religion. In particular, he focuses on questions relating to pluralism in society, and the historical contributions of Muslim cultures and civilizations to the world. He began making films in 2001 after graduating with a BA in Communications Studies and Sociology from Wilfrid Laurier University. He also has an MA in Visual Anthropology from Goldsmiths College, University of London, and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Islamic Studies and Humanities from the Institute of Ismaili Studies in London.