Jose Vargas
It’s been over a century since the world was torn apart by the Great War, yet many of its stories remain buried beneath the rubble of time. In their powerful new short film The Unknown Soldier, directors Aviel Kurulkar and Javier Alfaro shine a long-overdue spotlight on one of those forgotten narratives — that of a Sikh soldier serving in the Canadian Army during World War I.
In an era when mainstream cinema often fails to recognize the global contributions of marginalized communities, The Unknown Soldier stands as both a cinematic revelation and a call to remembrance.
Telling the Untold: A Mission Born from Erasure
“When we began pitching this project, people were shocked to learn that a Sikh man had fought in the Great War,” says the team. “That disbelief strengthened our resolve. Changing the status quo — making the invisible visible — became our purpose.”
And so, The Unknown Soldier was born, not just as a historical drama, but as a statement. It speaks for those whose bravery shaped nations, yet whose names were lost to history.
A Trench, A Take, A Triumph
Achieving historical authenticity was one of the production’s greatest challenges. Filming in a fully accurate WWI trench, complete with bitter cold, mud, and chaos, the team attempted a one-take sequence with simulated shelling.
“It just wasn’t working,” they recall. “Time was slipping, tension was rising, and we had to make a choice. So, we stepped back, reimagined the shot, and the result became one of the most breathtaking moments in the film.”
It’s a moment that encapsulates their indie ethos: resourcefulness, resilience, and vision.
Brotherhood in Battle
At the emotional core of the film is the evolving relationship between the unnamed Sikh soldier and Private Nash. What begins as a connection between two insecure young men is forged into a bond of unspoken strength through the shared trauma of war. Their arc captures a journey from fear to manhood — a quiet tribute to the camaraderie born in the crucible of combat.
A Title with Purpose
The title The Unknown Soldier carries heavy symbolism — anonymity, sacrifice, and the quiet cost of war. “These soldiers had dreams, families, ambitions — all lost to history,” say the directors. “This film is a tribute to them.”
It’s also a commentary on how history has, too often, been told through selective lenses. By choosing this title, the filmmakers ensure that one such story is finally seen, heard, and remembered.
An Immigrant’s Legacy
Beyond historical recognition, The Unknown Soldier offers a vital message for our present moment.
“Immigrants have played a crucial role in shaping Canadian history for over 100 years,” the directors affirm.
“In a time when division is amplified through social media, this film is a reminder that we’re stronger together. The story of a Sikh man in WWI is the story of every immigrant who calls Canada home.”
Filmmakers with Purpose
Both Kurulkar and Alfaro approach cinema with reverence — not just as entertainment, but as cultural conversation.
“We’re storytellers first,” they say. “Our job is to tell a good story with honesty and integrity. If it sparks dialogue, change, or reflection — that’s the impact we hope for.”
Their journey as filmmakers hasn’t been easy. “We’re often told in the indie world to ‘keep it simple,’” they reflect. “But we learned that if you dream big and pour your soul into it, indie cinema can be grand, powerful, and unforgettable.”
What’s Next?
Javier Alfaro just directed a horror short film and is in early development for his first feature — think Blues Brothers meets Ghostbusters, a quirky blend of music and the supernatural. He also plans to shoot a new short this summer.
Aviel Kurulkar, meanwhile, is currently working as an Assistant Director on The Thrift Store — a poignant drama set during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, exploring childhood love amidst catastrophes.
Their voices are rising. And with The Unknown Soldier, they’ve already left a mark that transcends awards and accolades — they’ve restored dignity to a forgotten hero.
Follow their journey:
📸 @avielkurulkar
📸 @javier.alfaro_
