Voices of Deoli

Erased by war, Chinese-Indian survivors reclaim their history.
by
Lulu Men
2025
85 mins

Voices of Deoli uncovers the little-known incarceration of Chinese-Indian civilians following the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Decades later, survivors now living in North America seek recognition and justice, revealing the lasting human cost of war, forced migration, and state-sanctioned displacement.

Synopsis

Voices of Deoli is a feature-length documentary that delves into the complexities and often upheaval of immigration through the lens of a small yet resilient community in the U.S. and Canada. This community shares a profound bond: they are survivors of the Deoli Internment Camp in Rajasthan, where they were imprisoned for up to five years following the brief Sino-Indian War in 1962.

The internment of thousands, forgotten to the world is an important story for our times as regional conflicts escalate and global migration increases. Their experience highlights the vulnerabilities of displaced communities caught in the crossfire of geopolitical conflict.

Director Commentary

As a woman filmmaker and immigrant from China and Singapore, Voices of Deoli is a deeply personal project for me and my team. While I am not a Deoli survivor or descendant, many of their stories resonate with my own, particularly the complex experiences of displacement, identity, and the ongoing journey of healing through resilience and community.

Voices of Deoli shines a light on the prejudice and unfair treatment that minorities and immigrants continue to face today. Across the world, immigrants’ rights are under threat, we are experience discrimination, often judged by appearance rather than who we are or the experiences that shape our lives.

The internment at Deoli left lasting emotional and psychological scars on survivors, along with generational trauma that continues to affect their families. By bearing witness to their stories and amplifying their voices, I hope to honor their resilience, create space for healing, and reflect a deeper truth about the immigrant experience.

Features and Languages

Film Features

  • Closed Captioning

Film/Audio Languages

  • English
  • Hindi
  • Mandarin

Subtitle/Caption Languages

  • English
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