December 2024: Destination S Project Update

Sikhlens Update—Destination S Project 2023-2025
December 2024: Destination S Project Update

Your incredible support has transformed our vision into reality this quarter. The enthusiastic response to our Dashvandh Network campaign demonstrates our community's deep commitment to amplifying important stories through film. As we progress toward our ambitious goal of $225,000 by the end of 2025, each contribution brings us closer to funding a broader portfolio of meaningful projects.

The momentum is building across our creative ecosystem, with eight distinctive films now taking shape. Each project offers a unique lens into Sikh heritage while exploring themes that resonate across cultural boundaries. Our filmmakers are breaking new ground, crafting narratives that promise to enlighten, challenge, and inspire audiences worldwide.

Let's dive into our current slate of projects and see how your investment is bringing these vital stories to life:

Rising Above: The Kamal Singh Story

This film premiered at our annual Sikhlens Arts and Film Festival in Southern California in November. The film chronicles the inspiring rise of Kamal Singh, an international ballet star who grew from humble beginnings in India to perform on some of the world's most prestigious stages. Its UK premiere is slated for our Sikhlens Film Festivals in the UK in May 2025.

Deserted Gems

Now in its final post-production phase, Deserted Gems delves into the unique intersection of gemstones and culture in the deserted parts of America. Veteran miner Niranjan Singh Khalsa leads this journey into the lives of gemstone miners. The film's post-production has been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, but we anticipate its release in 2025.

 
Everyday Activists

This powerful film is still in its final post-production phase. It tells the inspiring story of Manpreet Kalra and Angad Singh, an activist couple navigating their careers and personal passions while impacting the world.

Nina's Olivar

This project is nearing completion in post-production. It captures Nina's venture into the olive oil business during a holiday abroad, blending her journey as an American Sikh with a flourishing Spanish olive oil business.

Dancing in the Dark

Dancing in the Dark is now in its final post-production phase and almost ready for screening at the Sikhlens Film Festival in Chandigarh in February. This film recounts the extraordinary life of Amarjeet Singh Chawla, a blind Sikh man who has completed 100 marathons and holds a Guinness World Record. His resilience and achievements offer inspiration to all.

The Sikh Men
 
This film is still in pre-production; however, it is now set to move forward. It will tell the story of Gurmeet Singh, a tailor who runs a men's fashion outlet that focuses on Sikh models. The film will offer a fresh perspective on fashion and culture in the Sikh community.

The following films have been added since our last update:
 
Yuba City Archives
 
This documentary about Yuba City is more than just a migration story; it is vital to Sikh and American history. It chronicles the journey of the first Punjabi settlers who transitioned from grueling lumber and railroad work to the fertile farmlands of California, laying down roots and sowing seeds for a thriving community. These pioneers faced hardships with resilience and created a legacy of perseverance, identity, and community spirit that continues to inspire today.
 
Yuba City is not just another small town but a microcosm of cultural integration and community success. It showcases how a minority community, bound by shared values and traditions, not only survived in a foreign land but thrived, retaining its unique identity while contributing significantly to the broader American landscape. The presence of Punjabi language classes in high schools today speaks to the profound imprint of this community—a testament to its enduring spirit and importance.
 
Despite its significance, Yuba City's story remains untold, mainly outside the Sikh community. Few know this remarkable example of how a cohesive, yet diverse community can flourish harmoniously. Yuba City is a model for what a multicultural, inclusive society can achieve—a narrative that resonates deeply with the broader conversations around diversity, belonging, and cultural preservation in America and beyond.
 
This film will not just tell the story of a place; it will amplify the voices of a people whose resilience and contributions are a beacon of hope and inspiration. It will connect not only with Sikhs but with anyone who values stories of struggle, triumph, and cultural heritage. This film is for everyone, offering lessons in community building, resilience, and identity.
 
Sikhlens is honored to bring this extraordinary story to life, and we are committed to producing it to the highest standards, including compliance with Netflix and other major OTT platforms, ensuring it reaches a global audience. With $150,000 already raised, we seek the support of visionary donors like you to help us close the funding gap of $100,000.
 
Your contribution will help preserve an invaluable chapter of history and bring it to audiences worldwide. Together, we can ensure that the story of Yuba City is told in a way it has never been told before—authentic, compelling, and impactful. This is not just a donation but an investment in history, culture, and inspiration for generations to come.

Amrita Kaur
 
Sikhlens is currently producing a captivating film on Amrita Kaur, a multi-talented musician from New Zealand with deep roots in the Sikh faith. The film delves into Amrita's incredible journey, exploring how her upbringing in various countries, influenced by her father—a Sikh Ragi Ji—shaped her identity and musical career.

Through an intimate interview with Amrita, our filmmakers uncovered insights into her early life, her passion for music, and the challenges she has faced in blending traditional Sikh music with contemporary styles. From her creative process to her aspirations for the future, this film captures her inspiring story of resilience, faith, and artistry.

Currently in post-production, this project showcases Amrita’s unique voice and the profound way her music connects with audiences worldwide, especially within the Sikh community. Stay tuned for updates as we bring Amrita Kaur’s incredible journey to life on screen!

Saka Sirhind-Animation
 
Saka Sirhind is a 40-minute animated film inspired by the historic Saka Sirhind. This film brings to life the poignant story of the Chhotte Sahibzade, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, their unwavering bravery, and their ultimate sacrifice during a pivotal moment in Sikh history. Developed from the vision of Prof. Narindra Singh and realized through global collaboration, the film showcases the creative expertise of Sikhlens' lead animator, Pardeep Matharu. Through its compelling visuals and storytelling, the animation preserves and honors a profound chapter of Sikh heritage.
 
Sikhlens plans to premiere this film on February 22, 2025, at Tagore Theatre in Chandigarh. Please have your friends and family in the area join us as we unveil this tribute to Sikh heritage and honor the timeless legacy of the Sahibzade.
 
In conclusion
 
Through our diverse portfolio of films, we're weaving together stories that bridge cultures while honoring the depth and richness of Sikh traditions. Each filmmaker brings their distinct perspective, ensuring our narratives speak to both our community and audiences worldwide.

Mark your calendars for the premiere showcase at the Sikhlens Arts and Film Festival in November 2025. We're also thrilled to announce an ambitious international screening tour that will bring these stories to Chandigarh, Chicago, the UK, Denver, Vancouver, Toronto, Seattle, and New York City. Your support has made it possible to share these powerful stories with audiences across the globe.

We're committed to keeping you connected to these projects as they evolve from concept to screen. Your investment in Destination S goes far beyond funding - it represents a shared vision of using cinema to preserve our heritage, challenge perspectives, and create meaningful dialogue.

The impact of your partnership continues to ripple through every aspect of our work. We look forward to sharing more milestones as these transformative stories come to life.

Stay tuned for our next update, and thank you for being the driving force behind this creative movement.