We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sundeep Morrison a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sundeep, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Recently, I worked on very personal short film called Flight 182. It was written and directed by Rippin Sindher and I starred opposite her brother Gurinder Sindher. The film was inspired by true events and centered around the tragic story of the largest act of aviation terrorism in the world before 9/11. The film explores the depth of a family bond, and effects of political violence. This year marked the 40th anniversary of this tragedy.

As a child of Punjabi Sikh Canadian immigrant’s the ongoing political threat and violence against Sikhs globally is very real. The lasting socio political reverberations are continually felt. Of the 329 souls on board that perished 268 were Canadian. Growing up in Canada we never learned about what happened in school as the tragedy was othered as an “Indian incident .” In our homes I feel there was so much fear and trauma no one spoke of it.
This story serves as a form of remembrance and reverence.. I feel storytelling can act as bridge to the past. If we don’t examine history we risk repeating it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Sundeep Morrison I am a first-generation Queer Non-binary Punjabi Sikh director, writer, and actor.

Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for creating justice in the world.
My work is rooted in sharing the stories of my community.

So often, the stories of my community have been deemed worthy of being part of the punchline and not the plot line. As a child of immigrants navigating the duality of having deep Eastern roots
in a Western world, my work aims to act as a bridge in breaking the stereotypes. With any opportunity that comes my way, I intend to use it to build with my community. The prospect of working with other like-minded storytellers and collaborating is where I thrive as a creative.

Bio

Sundeep Morrison (they/them) is an award-winning Queer Non-binary Canadian Panjabi Sikh actor, writer, and director. Recently, Sundeep was recognized as an emerging Indian Filmmaker during the world premiere of their short film Your Love at the KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival. Sundeep also received the award for Best Drama at United Solo (2022) and was awarded the Disruptors TV Writing Fellowship (2021) and was proud to be part of the Trans and Non-Binary cohort. A graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy New York, their work focuses on social justice, sexuality, and gender. A child of Panjabi Sikh immigrants, Sundeep pursues their passion as a storyteller to explore the beautiful and, at times, painful complexities of growing up with deep Eastern roots in a Western world.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

As a Queer Punjabi Sikh storyteller, I feel that if I can make you feel something then hopefully I can make you think differently. When we share our stories they become vehicles for change. If someone watches a story that I’m part of and they are curious about my identity then perhaps it can be a path to learning. Also, if a young person questions their journey as a queer storyteller, then hopefully they become inspired to share their own stories and see that they can do it while living in the full expression of who they are.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Creating in community and collaborating with inspiring storytellers and is the biggest reward. Whether it’s on the page, infront of or behind the camera I’m continually trying to expand my storytelling and feel it’s a privilege to work with like minded individuals. Working with a fellow Punjabi Sikh like Rippin has been a deeply rewarding journey. Recently the indomitable Emmy®-winning Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife), came on board to champion our film as an executive producer. She helped inspire my journey as an actor and continues to inspire me, so it feels extra meaningful to be in community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sundeepmorrison.com
• Instagram: @sundeepmorrison

Image Credits

Manny Singh
Rob Flate