Ocean of Pearls is a 2008 drama film directed by Sarab Neelam and produced by Paul Mariani. The film follows Amrit Singh, a Sikh man who is a talented surgeon looking to advance in his career. However, due to his unique appearance, he is regularly subjected to racial profiling and discrimination.
After years of experiencing these prejudices, Amrit decides to cut his hair and beard, which are integral parts of his religious identity as a Sikh, in order to blend in. He hides this decision from his girlfriend, Nina, who is also a Sikh, and his family back in Toronto.
As Amrit begins to climb the ranks at a new hospital, he faces additional challenges, including hospital politics and healthcare injustices. He must make difficult compromises that put his ethics and values into question. When one of his compromises leads to the death of a patient, Amrit is forced to confront the value of his religious traditions and confront his own beliefs.
Ocean of Pearls features an outstanding performance by actor Omid Abtahi, who plays Amrit Singh with depth and sensitivity. The film explores themes of identity, race, culture, and the tension between personal ambition and moral responsibility. It is a powerful and thought-provoking movie.
