Ammtoje Mann perturbed by illegal immigration

Mumbai, Apr 28 (UNI) Multifaceted filmmaker Ammtoje Mann, whose movie 'Kaafila' deals with the subject of illegal immigration, says Canada tops the list of developed nations with highest number of illegal immigrants.

About 70 to 80 per cent of illegal immigrants from third world countries, sneak across Canada's borders and settle there, to realise their dream and eke out a decent living for their loved ones back home, Mr Mann said.

'Kaafila', which has been promoted by Zee Entertainment Network, goes deep into the subject, traversing continents and languages. The movie analyses the cause and effects of human trafficking of not just the immigrants, but their families and the nations that bear the brunt of it as well.

Speaking to newspersons yesterday, Mr Mann said ''I have not just met those who have failed to cross the borders, but have been face to face with those who have succeeded. The issue is very deep-rooted. We are trying to get in to the depth of human trafficking problem through our film that has a global perspective as this is not merely an issue about India or Indians who want to be at their dreamland at any cost. It is about the global impact of such a thought.'' Talking about the Katara case of human trafficking involving MP Babubhai Katara, Mr Mann said ''The Katara case is a tip of the iceberg.'' 'Kaafila' features Sunny Deol in the lead role. It also has a cross-racial set of international artistes including Polina Stoyanova from Bulgaria, Sana Nawaz and Mona Lisa from Pakistan and a host of talent drawn from the Indian shores too. Sukhwinder Singh has scored the music. The film is due for worldwide release this July.

Mann's first movie was 'Hawaayein'. ''I not only want to make films which are realistic but also entertaining to the core. The stories exist in our midst and I see no reason why we need to look westwards for inspiration,'' he added.

UNI