On Thursday, April 3 Miramax responded to the Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART's) concerns about the comedy film Dysfunktional Family. In a reply to SMART’s letter of March 27, Miramax stated that reasonable viewers of Dysfunktional Family would not associate Sikhs with Osama bin Laden.

Miramax’s letter states that members of other religions also wear turbans and have beards. Their reply cites the film as “a work of creative expression” and “fully protected by the First Amendment."

SMART intends to discuss these issues with Miramax representatives, specifically stressing that the vast majority of turbaned Americans are indeed Sikh. Additionally while SMART recognizes the right to free expression, we firmly believe that Miramax needs to demonstrate corporate and moral responsibility. It should be noted that several films were voluntarily altered or delayed after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks because they depicted the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center.

SMART is responding to the letter and is arranging a meeting with Miramax to discuss these issues. SMART will continue to keep the community posted about any developments in this issue.

SMART has also received reports that TV advertisements of the film airing in Northern California do not show the Sikh gentleman anymore. SMART is trying to determine whether this change in the advertisement of the film is nationwide.

Click here to view the March 27 letter submitted to Miramax by Krovatin & Associates, the law firm retained by SMART.

Click here to view an India West article about SMART’s efforts on this issue.

Click here to view SMART’s March 14, 2003 Community advisory on Dysfunktional Family.