Surrey filmmaker and journalism innovator R. Paul Dhillon dies at 59
BC Entertainment Hall of Fame inductee in 2021, Dhillon created documentaries on diaspora issues including The Bhangra Generation and Desi Angrej: The Fusion Generation.
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R. Paul Dhillon, a Surrey-based filmmaker, writer, director and journalist whose work amplified diverse voices and diaspora stories across B.C., died on June 12 at age 59 from colon cancer.
Dhillon was inducted into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2021 for his documentaries created through MMM Films, including Sweet Amerika, The Bhangra Generation, Heaven and Hell, B Town Boyz and Desi Angrej: The Fusion Generation. His work focused on South Asian and diaspora communities, bringing underrepresented narratives to the screen across decades.
Surrey Centre MP Randeep Singh Sarai posted a tribute: "I had the chance of recognizing him for being inducted into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame for making several films on Diaspora issues in B.C. He will be missed."
Gurmeet Singh Sran, a friend and colleague, remembered Dhillon's passion for cinema: "His knowledge and passion for cinema were incredible. He truly came alive whenever he talked about films. Talking with him always made you want to create something."
A funeral service was held Saturday, June 20 at Five Rivers Funeral Home in Delta, with sehaj paath bhog (Sikh prayer and community meal) to follow at Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib in Surrey.
In the House of Commons on June 16, MP Sukh Dhaliwal honoured Dhillon's legacy: "An award-winning journalist, filmmaker, and storyteller whose work amplified diverse voices and strengthened our communities."