Ramchand Pakistani

Running time: 103 mins

?In jail there are no castes. Everyone is equal.?

As two nations? uneasy armies face each other across the Indian-Pakistani border, Ramchand, an 8-year old Hindu Pakistani village boy of the Untouchable caste, followed soon by his worried father, wanders across the nearby border into India, setting off a chain of events that will test the love and endurance of a family, but proves that even in the most unlikely places understanding and affection can be found.

Based on actual events, what could have been presented as political polemic becomes instead a wonder¬ful, moving tale of respect, compassion and caring between people ? of different castes, religions, coun¬tries and cultures ? in the finest tradition of humanist filmmaking. With its calm gaze, gentle demeanor and more than a hint of Satyajit Ray?s Apu in young Ramchand, this is a film that will touch you deeply ? in truth we are all Untouchables, for there is no such thing as an Untouchable.

--Charlie Cockey