Sikhlens Update—Destination S Project 2023-2025

Sikhlens Update—Destination S Project 2023-2025
As we approach the final stretch of 2024, we are thrilled to share the remarkable progress made through your steadfast support. Thanks to your generosity, we've not only reached but surpassed our initial fundraising goal on the Dashvandh Network. Your contributions have driven us to an incredible $100,000, and we are now ambitiously raising the bar to a new goal of $225,000. The extended goal will allow us to fund even more groundbreaking films. The Sikhlens advancement team is working tirelessly to ensure this additional funding can bring more compelling stories to the forefront.

This overwhelming support has sparked creativity and energy across our filmmaking community. We are proud to announce that eight distinct film projects are currently in various stages of development, each contributing to the diverse narrative of Sikh culture and universal human experiences.

Below is an update on these remarkable projects, including descriptions, production status, and, where available, visual sneak peeks into the unfolding stories.

Lord and Lady Singh

This completed film premised at the UK Sikhlens Arts and Film Festival in May 2024. It documents the impactful lives of Lord Indarjit Singh and Lady Kawaljit Kaur Singh, two of the UK's most prominent Sikh advocates. Through decades of service, they have tirelessly worked to foster interfaith understanding. Lord and Lady Singh has been a cornerstone film at several Sikhlens festivals worldwide.

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 bad weather in the mines, but we anticipate its release soon.

Pothimala

This film, which explores the history, art, and preservation of the Pothimala gurdwara, is now completed and will be screened at the Sikhlens Arts and Film Festival in Southern California from November 21-24, 2024.

Rising Above: The Kamal Singh Story

Currently, in the final stages of post-production, this 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. Kamal Singh's film is slated to get premiered at the UK film festival on May 10th, 2025

Every Day Activists

This powerful film is also 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

Now in its final post-production phase, 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.

Some films have been added since our last update:

The Patka Box

This documentary focuses on the cultural significance of the Patka, a head covering worn by Sikh children, and how it can be an educational tool to promote understanding, prevent bullying, and foster inclusion in schools. The film has already screened at Sikhlens Vancouver and is slated for upcoming screenings in Toronto, California, and Seattle.

Bold Helmets

This film highlights Tina Singh's creation of a multisport helmet designed for children with Jooda, making sports safer and more inclusive. Bold Helmets has already been screened at Sikhlens Vancouver and is scheduled for screenings in Toronto, California, and Seattle.

The Sikh Men

This film is in pre-production. 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.

Raah-E-Nanak

This upcoming documentary, set to premiere at Sikhlens California, traces a journey across Northern India, showcasing acts of kindness inspired by Sufi and Sikh teachings. It's a heartfelt exploration of how compassion transcends cultural boundaries.

Each of these films reflects a unique voice, providing fresh insights and untold stories that celebrate Sikh heritage and resonate with universal human experiences. These films are a testament to our collective effort to preserve and share the narratives that shape our community.

Many of these projects will debut at the upcoming Sikhlens Arts and Film Festival, November 21-24, 2024. Over the next twelve months, our films will also be screened in cities such as Chandigarh, Chicago, Leicester, Denver, Vancouver, Toronto, and Seattle. This global outreach would not be possible without your ongoing support.

As these projects progress, we promise to keep you updated every step of the way. Your contributions go beyond monetary support—they are a statement of belief in the transformative power of storytelling. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your partnership. Together, we are not just creating films but preserving a rich heritage, fostering more profound understanding, and inspiring lasting change.

Thank you for being an essential part of this journey. We eagerly look forward to sharing more updates and, ultimately, our vision's final products.