Abstract:
This study explores ~ow South Asian diasporic film represents and reproduces
South Asian identity in the diaspora. It commences with a review of the literature in
cultural studies and post-colonial theory on identity in the diaspora. A textual analysis of
three films: American Desi, Bollywood/Hollywood, and East Is East, helps frame the
characteristics of South Asian diasporic film. Theoretical concepts of diaspora and
identity are extended to this reading of the films. In-depth, open-ended, semi structured
interviews were conducted with eight participants to test the validity of theoretical
concepts through participants' own reading of American Desi. Findings indicate that
while theoretical concepts of identity can be usefully applied at the level of the text, these
perspectives do not always easily explain participants' interpretation of the film in
relation to their everyday experiences.
