Chasing the American Dream has not been easy. America, built by immigrants still stands testimony of all the sweat and blood that went into making it the most sought after country in the world – recession or not. Millions of immigrants from various parts of the world have made the United States of America their home for several years. Today, they co-exist with a beautiful blend of east and west in their knowledge, thought and practice. “Our Story of” is created and developed by Visionalist Entertainment Productions headed by Novi resident Keith Famie who was a contestant on the CBS reality television series, Survivor: The Australian Outback. He was the 14th person to be voted off. Keith and team have rightfully and meaningfully captured the spirit and the success of various communities as a documentary series televised for WXYZ TV 7. The prime time television documentary “Our India Story” details will be revealed very soon.
 

Excerpts from the interview with Director/Producer/Survivor Keith Famie by Anu Gopalakrishnan, a miindia exclusive:

What sparked your interest in directing documentaries on the immigrant population?
KF: I have always felt Detroit has a wonderful story since it is one of the most ethnic-rich cities in America. We owe so much to these early immigrants in what they brought to Michigan with culture, food, faith, language and art, as well as their desire to be an American.

Keith is known as a survivor. How did your experience help in your success?
KF: ‘Survivor’ was a wonderful opportunity to see how far one can push themselves. Personally, I gained a great deal by being able to experience very difficult situations and challenges and keeping a positive attitude. I went from 170 lbs. to 140 lbs. in 41 days. ‘Survivor’ also afforded me the opportunity to have gained a great deal of national exposure.

What is your take or feel on the Indian community?
KF: One of the reasons we have been so successful in our documentaries about the ethnic community is that we know so little and are so curious about these cultures. The Asian Indian community is no different. Now that we have been filming for almost 8 months, and have just completed a 13-day trip to India, traveled a total of 27,000 miles, spent 40 hours on various planes, I can comfortably say this will be an amazing film that the Asian Indian community of Detroit will be very proud of.

Do you feel a sense of connection working on the customs and traditions of all the countries you have so far worked with?
KF: Yes and my office reflects it. I love collecting artifacts that remind me of my journeys. On my desk, I’m looking at a great statue of Ganesh that I brought back from India. I fall asleep at night dreaming of warm naan, freshly baked.

If there is one unique factor about India that you think has changed you as a person, what would that be?
KF: I have been fascinated by the faith of Hinduism. As I get deeper into the project, this helps broaden my own spontaneity.

How was it filming in India?
KF: Amazing, stressful, enlightening, and memorable.

Apart from taking risks, what do you love doing? What is your relaxation point?
KF: It’s hard to say. My relaxation at this stage is minimal. We are a 24/7 production company. I am also filming a documentary called ‘Can You See How I See,’ which is about what it’s like to be blind, for release in 2009. So, I am almost always filming somewhere. I enjoy time with kids my kids Josh, 15 and Alicia, 17, as well as my long-time girlfriend/partner of 8 years. I do love gardening and cooking. I workout as much as possible, bike riding, etc.

Do you expect this forthcoming documentary to create a buzz in the community based on your previous creations for other communities?
KF: Yes. I feel the story I’m telling about the impact of the Asian Indians have had on our community both medically, engineering and in business will build a whole new level of respect for the community.

Is this event going to highlight the accomplishments of Indians in Michigan?
KF: The ‘Flavors of India,’ scheduled for December 14th, will be an evening of music, dance, food, art and the premier celebration of the film ‘Our India Story.’ With all of the media planned on being there, it will be the event to be at in 2008. It will be an evening all Asian Indians will be proud to say they are from India. The rest of us will just sit there and say “I wish I were Indian.”


Every Indian Immigrant who has landed in the United States of America with dreams and ambitions has gone through a struggle – a personal and an emotional one; leaving behind old family members, siblings and the connections to live a life in an unknown land chasing an unknown dream. Each struggle is different and each struggle comes with its own days of loneliness, tears and frustration, but, with a strong sense of hope and the zeal to succeed. It is this hope that has kept the American dream alive for years. Our India Story is a perfect tribute to all those who have become successful overcoming challenges and limitations – psychological and spiritual, not material only.