The issue is brought to the attention of Sikh organizations in the United States
February 18, 2003
Community members notify Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART) and the Sikh Coalition about trailer of Dysfunktional Family running on Miramax's website and in movie theaters across the United States.

SMART takes a lead role and contacts Miramax to express the community's concern
February 26, 2003
SMART sends a letter to the film's publicist, Jennifer Glaisek, and other principals at Miramax, including Harvey Weinstein, President, Miramax Films. In this letter SMART seeks a meeting to discuss the inflammatory depiction of Sikhs in the film. The letter can be viewed at http://www.sikhmediawatch.org/letters/Miramax--Dysfunktional%20Family.pdf

SMART speaks with Miramax and urges a response
March 3-14, 2003
SMART has several contacts and discussions with Miramax’s publicist and requests a screening of the film prior to release. The publicist assured SMART that a decision on the screening would be made by March 11th.

SMART issues community advisory about its efforts regarding Dysfunktional Family
March 14, 2003
SMART issues community advisory to alert the community about the film and share its initiatives to address the irresponsible, insensitive and highly inflammatory association of Sikhs with Osama bin Laden. http://www.sikhmediawatch.org/press/pressdetail.asp?pressid=33

SMART told screening is unlikely
March 20, 2003
SMART told by Miramax’s publicist that a screening of film is unlikely.

Sikh Coalition writes to Miramax
March 21, 2003
The Sikh Coalition sends a formal letter to Harvey Weinstein, President, Miramax Films, expressing the overwhelming concern of the Sikh community. The letter appeals to Miramax to respond immediately to avoid further action. The letter can be viewed at http://www.sikhcoalition.org/DysfunctionalFamily.pdf

Sikh Coalition develops plan to launch online advocacy campaign
March 25, 2003
With no acceptable response from Miramax, the Sikh Coalition begins formulation of a grassroots advocacy campaign. The online campaign is designed to complement the actions of SMART and other justice organizations and ensure that Miramax responds to the community's concern.

SMART retains law firm; attorney speaks with producer of Dysfunktional Family
March 26, 2003
SMART retains the law from of Krovatin & Associates LLC. Ravinder Singh Bhalla, Esq. of Krovatin & Associates speaks with David Permit, one of the producers of the film. Mr. Permit states its best to speak with Miramax, the distributor of the film, and offers to provide contact for Miramax’s legal counsel.

SMART Attorney Sends Legal Notice to Miramax Films
March 27, 2003
Ravinder Singh (Bhalla), Esq. of Krovatin & Associates, retained by SMART, contacts Miramax and writes to the company urging, "if Miramax does not take prompt and appropriate action prior to the release of the film, Miramax, together with other responsible entities, will be held accountable." The letter can be viewed at http://www.sikhmediawatch.org/letters/Krovatin_letter_to_Miramax_Mar27.pdf

BBC interviews the Sikh Coalition regarding Miramax issue
March 31, 2003

The Sikh Coalition's Director of Community Affairs is contacted and interviewed by BBC Radio regarding the Sikh community's response to the Miramax film at Noon.

Sikh Coalition and around 60 co-sponsors launch online petition against Miramax
March 31, 2003
In a overwhelming display of solidarity, the Sikh Coalition is joined by around 60 Sikh and non-Sikh organizations working to support justice and equality across the globe. The petition and list of co-sponsors can be viewed at http://www.sikhcoalition.org/miramax_petition.asp