Pixar to feature its first Sikh character in ‘Turning Red’

July 20, 2021

Pixar is showcasing its first Sikh character in “Turning Red,” an upcoming feature film by Oscar-winning director Domee Shi.

A historic movie: Set for release on March 11, 2022, “Turning Red” will mark a few firsts for Pixar, which dropped the movie’s first teaser trailer last week.

The studio’s first Sikh character is a school security guard, who appears in the trailer wearing a uniform and a navy-colored turban. He is also seen donning a “kada” (or “kara”), a religious bangle that symbolizes infinity, strength and humility.
“Turning Red” is the studio’s first feature film directed by a woman of color. Shi, who won the Academy Award for best animated short film for “Bao” in 2019, is Chinese Canadian.
The new movie is also Shi’s first-ever feature film. She has, however, contributed to other Pixar creations, including “Inside Out,” “Incredibles 2” and “Toy Story 4.”

Reactions: Sikh community members and social media users are lauding Pixar for its attention to representation and cultural diversity.

The New York City-based Sikh Coalition, a national organization, acknowledged the news using the hashtag #RepresentationMatters.
BuzzFeed writer Simrin Singh wrote: “Growing up, I never could have imagined seeing an observant Sikh in a Pixar movie. It’s so exciting to think of all the little Sikh kids who get to see this Sardar on screen and feel included. More of this, please!”
Others shared the same sentiment. “First time I’ve seen Sikhs being represented in a Pixar movie and I can’t tell you how happy I am right now,” one user wrote.

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Featured Image via Pixar

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