Directed by Sukhwant Dhadda, the powerful feature documentary traces the sacrifices, resilience, and enduring impact of Punjabi farmers who crossed oceans to build new lives
LOS ANGELES, California — Cpics.tv announces the exclusive premiere of From the Roots, a powerful Cpics Original feature documentary directed by Sukhwant Dhadda, streaming beginning September 25, 2026, only on Cpics.tv.
Driven from their homeland by heavy taxation, limited economic opportunity, and the pressures of British colonial rule, these early pioneers embarked upon dangerous journeys across turbulent seas. They arrived in unfamiliar lands where they faced isolation, discrimination, difficult working conditions, and laws designed to restrict their opportunities.
Despite these barriers, they persevered.
Through intimate interviews with descendants, carefully selected archival materials, and evocative historical storytelling, From the Roots brings their experiences to life. The documentary explores not only the hardships endured by the first settlers, but also the courage, determination, and hope that allowed them to establish communities and create opportunities for future generations.
Many of these immigrants worked in agriculture, lumber mills, railroads, and other physically demanding industries. Far from their families and cultural roots, they relied upon one another to survive, preserve their traditions, and build a sense of belonging in a new world.
Their lives became part of a much larger story—a story of migration, identity, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dignity.
By speaking with the children, grandchildren, and later descendants of these pioneers, From the Roots reveals how the choices made by one generation continued to influence those who followed. Their sacrifices shaped family histories, expanded opportunities, and helped establish the Punjabi-American communities that thrive today.
The film also examines the emotional complexity of belonging to more than one homeland. It explores how cultural memory is preserved, how family stories are passed from one generation to another, and how descendants continue to carry the values and resilience of those who came before them.
At its heart, From the Roots is a tribute to individuals whose names may not appear in history books, but whose determination helped transform the social and cultural landscape of North America.
Their journey was not only about leaving one country and arriving in another. It was about planting roots in uncertain soil and believing that future generations might one day grow from them.
Directed by Sukhwant Dhadda, From the Roots celebrates an enduring legacy of strength, identity, opportunity, and community while ensuring that the experiences of these early Punjabi settlers are remembered and shared.
About From the Roots
Directed by Sukhwant Dhadda, From the Roots is a feature documentary exploring the journey of Punjabi farmers who migrated from India to North America during the early 1900s. Through descendant interviews, archival materials, and historical storytelling, the film examines the struggles and achievements of these pioneers and the lasting impact of their sacrifices upon generations of Punjabi-Americans.
About Cpics.tv
Cpics.tv is a global streaming platform presenting original series, films, documentaries, and culturally diverse stories from South Asia and around the world. The platform is committed to sharing authentic voices, overlooked histories, and distinctive perspectives that connect audiences across cultures and generations.
For more information, visit https://cpics.tv/home.