:dateline:Oak Creek is preparing to host the world premiere of a film about the Sikh gurdwara shooting.
Just a few days after the August 5, 2012, Wisconsin gurdwara shooting, film makers arrived in Oak Creek to capture the images of horror, and the outpouring of support, all in an effort to stomp out hate crimes.
The documentary�Waking in Oak Creek is set to premiere today evening in front of hundreds of people, including families who lost loved ones in the Sikh gurdwara shooting.
Pardeep Kaleka is a prominent voice in the film, speaking out on hate crimes, inspired by the death of his father, and gurdwara president, Satwant Singh Kaleka, who was one of six killed.
“We need to all see it together. This is a community thing. We are not special. This could have happened to anyone that day,” Pardeep Kaleka said.
Kaleka’s family, his mother, and others from the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin gurdwara will watch the premiere at the Oak Creek Community Center.
California production company Not in Our Town made the film.
The crew arrived in Oak Creek shortly after the shooting and spent months conducting interviews, which have been condensed into 35 minutes.
“This is a town that was awakened by a tragedy, and they are an inspiration not just to each other but people across the country,” Patrice O’Neill said.
The brother and sister who warned people inside the gurdwara are featured in the film.
Hero police officers, Lt. Brian Murphy and Sam Lunda, are central in the film.
Oak Creek Mayor Steve Scaffidi said the film brings the emotions flooding back.
“I did watch it last Saturday, and all the things you felt back then, I felt it all come out of me,” Scaffidi said.
The film will start at 7 p.m. at the Oak Creek Community Center on Thursday.
Tickets are free but limited.
Scaffidi plans on holding more screenings later this month and is working to show the film online.
For information about how to get tickets, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/not-in-our-town-movie-premiere-waking-in-oak-creek-tickets-10700518539
