Sikhlens Update—Destination S Project 2023-2025

Sikhlens Update—Destination S Project 2023-2025

As we move into the heart of 2024, we're excited to share the remarkable progress made possible by your unwavering support. Thanks to your generosity, we've not only reached but surpassed our initial fundraising target on the Dashvandh Network. Your contributions have propelled us to an impressive $100,000, and we're now setting our sights on an ambitious new goal of $225,000 

This outpouring of support has ignited a creative spark across our filmmaking community. We're proud to report that eight unique film projects are now in various stages of development, each one a vibrant thread in the rich tapestry of Sikh culture and universal human experiences.

Below, we've provided an update on each of these compelling projects. You'll find brief descriptions, production status updates, and where available, visual teasers that offer a glimpse into these evolving stories.

Lord and Lady Singh is completed and premiered at our UK Sikhlens Arts and Film Festival in May. Lord and Lady Singh documents the lives and social impact of Lord Indarjit Singh and Lady Kawaljit Kaur Singh, Sikh community advocates in the UK working tirelessly to build interfaith understanding through decades of public service.

Deserted Gems is in final post-production. The film presents the intersection of gemstones and culture from the deserted parts of America. Using shovels, jackhammers, and their hands, the filmmakers, and Niranjan Singh Khalsa, a veteran gemstone miner, dig into dirt and raw stones providing the audience a look into gemstone miners, their life, and culture.

Pothimala is completed and will screen in November at our annual Sikhlens Arts and Film Festival in Southern California November 17th-20th. This film documents the history, art, and preservation of the Pothimala gurdwara.

Rising Above: The Kamal Singh Story is in final post production. The film chronicles the inspiring journey of international ballet star Kamal Singh, from his humble beginnings in India to taking the world stage.

Every Day Activists is in final post production.  This film documents the lives of Manpreet Kalra and Angad Singh, a dynamic husband and wife activist duo juggling their careers and passions.

Nina's Olivar is in final postproduction.  A holiday abroad turns into a Spanish Olive oil business venture for Nina a Sikh woman from America. This film captures the journey of Nina's Spanish Olive oil business venture.

Dancing in the Dark is in final post production. This film chronicles the inspirational and adventurous life of Amarjeet Singh Chawla, a blind Sikh who has completed 100 marathons and holds a Guiness World Record.

Some of the films that have been added since our last update include:

The Patka Box enlightens viewers on the cultural significance of the Patka, a head covering worn by Sikh children. This documentary explores how an educational tool can foster understanding, prevent bullying, and promote inclusion in schools. This short film has already been completed. In fact it premiered at our Sikhlens Arts and Film Festival in Chicago in April.

Bold Helmets showcases Tina Singh's innovative multisport helmet design, addressing the needs of children with Jooda (long hair) and providing a comfortable, safe solution for active kids.

The Sikh Men brings to light the fascinating personality of Gurmeet SIngh who is a tailor that runs a men's fashion outlet focusing on Sikh models.

Raah-E-Nanak is a documentary tracing a journey across Northern India, showcasing everyday acts of kindness inspired by Sufi and Sikh teachings. It highlights how compassion transcends cultural boundaries and impacts communities.

Each of these films represents a unique voice, a fresh perspective, and a story waiting to be told. They are the embodiment of our collective effort to preserve, celebrate, and share the diverse narratives that shape our community and resonate far beyond.

We're excited to announce that many of these films will make their debut at the upcoming Sikhlens Arts and Film Festival, scheduled for November 21-24, 2024. In addition to our film festival in November our films are also being screened in Chandigarh, India; Chicago; Leicester, England; Denver; Vancouver; Toronto and Seattle within the next twelve months. These showcases are a testament to the power of your support and the talent of our filmmakers.

As these projects continue to evolve, we commit to keeping you informed every step of the way. Your investment goes beyond the financial; it's a declaration of faith in the transformative power of storytelling.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued partnership in this endeavor. Together, we're not just making films; we're preserving heritage, fostering understanding, and inspiring change. We eagerly anticipate sharing more updates and ultimately, the final products of our shared vision. Thank you for being an essential part of this ongoing journey in film and cultural preservation.