About 1999

1999 is a well-researched, realistic portrayal of the struggles the first generation Tamil immigrants, in particular the youth, faced in Canada as they tried adjusting to the new life in the adopted land while trying to put the scars of the war behind them. It peers into the core challenges that were faced by the youth who were torn between two different cultures. Some of them did not have their parents and often lived with their relatives or friends. They lacked good role models and proper guidance, often having to balance school and work. Inevitably, the loneliness and the absence of a closely-knit family support system drove some of them towards the gangs as they often provided them a renewed purpose, brotherhood and in some instances protection. For most of these youth, leaving the gang life did not prove to be as easy as joining one.