Draft:Satinder Kassoana

Satinder Kassoana
Satinder Kassoana is an award winning Indian-Canadian actor/filmmaker known for his poignant exploration of cultural diversity through the medium of film. His works traverse the complexities of race, community, and identity, resonating with audiences worldwide.

Early Life and Education
Kassoana was born and raised in Punjab, India. He pursued his undergraduate studies in engineering, graduating in 2002. During his time in university, Kassoana was actively involved in stage plays, folk dance, and singing, showcasing his multifaceted talents and creative spirit. After completing his engineering degree, Kassoana embarked on a career in the IT industry, securing a position with one of India's top companies. His exceptional skills as a programmer led him to work with a prestigious client, a Swiss bank, where he served as a lead programmer. His tenure in Switzerland lasted nearly two years, during which he immersed himself in the rich cultural tapestry of the region. His journey led him to Canada, where he was awarded a research scholarship to pursue a Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering at a leading Canadian university.

Career Transition
Despite his success in the IT sector, Kassoana's passion for storytelling and filmmaking remained unabated. Fuelled by a desire to pursue his creative aspirations, he made the bold decision to transition careers. However, his time in Canada reignited his fervor for filmmaking, prompting him to pivot towards a career in the entertainment industry.

Career
Kassoana's career took flight with the release of his French short film "Bonjour Ji" in 2015. The film boldly confronted prejudices between different races and communities, earning widespread acclaim and numerous accolades. Notably, "Bonjour Ji" was awarded the Best Short Film title at five international film festivals, including the International Film Festival of South Asia Toronto (2015), Richmond International Film Festival (USA, 2016), Washington DC South Asian Film Festival (2015), and the Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival 2015 (Best North American Short).

In 2017, Kassoana ventured into the realm of documentaries with "Hockey United," a compelling exploration of the experiences of a young ice-hockey player of Indian descent. The documentary garnered significant attention and received a nomination for Best Production Representing Cultural Diversity at the AMPIA Awards.

Continuing his commitment to storytelling, Kassoana's short film "Don't Walk Among the Dead" (2016) captured the imagination of audiences. The project, made possible through funding by Telus and a successful Kickstarter campaign, showcased his ability to tackle complex themes with nuance and depth.

In a significant milestone in his career, Kassoana wrote, directed, edited, and produced the Canadian Punjabi feature film "Range Road 290." Premiering to critical acclaim in both India and Canada, the film captivated audiences with its poignant narrative and powerful performances. Its recognition was further solidified with a spotlight at the International Film Festival of South Asia Toronto in 2022.

Kassoana was also one of the selected participants of the Netflix-Banff Diversity of Voice initiative, where his psychological thriller series, set against a sci-fi backdrop, was chosen.

Personal Life
Outside of filmmaking, Kassoana is known for his advocacy for cultural diversity and inclusion. He remains actively engaged in initiatives aimed at promoting cross-cultural understanding and dialogue.

Filmography

 * "Bonjour Ji" (2015) - Short Film
 * "Don't Walk Among the Dead" (2016) - Short Film
 * "Hockey United" (2017) - Documentary
 * "Range Road 290" (2023) - Feature Film

Awards and Recognition

 * Selected in Netflix-Banff Diversity of Voice initiative 2024