This quarter's achievements reflect the strong commitment of our community. The positive response to our Dashvandh Network initiative shows how much our supporters believe in cinema's ability to inspire and foster understanding. As we work toward our year-end goal of $225,000, each contribution helps build the foundation for meaningful storytelling.
Creative momentum continues to grow throughout our filmmaking community, with over twenty productions now in active development. These diverse projects blend authentic Sikh perspectives with universal themes that connect with audiences across different communities. Our directors and storytellers are developing narratives that educate, challenge thinking, and reach viewers around the world.
This autumn brings a solid collection of films that showcase contemporary Sikh storytelling. These productions represent dedicated work from our filmmakers, each offering perspectives on identity, faith, community, and the human experience. The films demonstrate the cultural authenticity and artistic quality that guide our mission.
Premiering in October/November
The following are some of the films scheduled to premiere November 21st-23rd at our annual Sikhlens: Sikh Arts and Film Festival in Southern California. Some of the films will also be screened at our Sikhlens: Sikh Arts and Film Festival in Toronto on October 4th.
Mitti is a heartwarming story about Jasleen and her family as they journey back to their ancestral village in Pakistan. Through old memories, emotional reunions, and heartfelt conversations, the film captures their experience of reconnecting with their roots and the land their forefathers once called home.
Water Warriors is about water pollution in rivers of Punjab and how it’s affecting the entire population of the state. There’s a group of young people who are working to clean the rivers. They have named themselves, ‘water warriors’. This film talks about their work and the actual issue.
Hidden 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 tells the inspiring story of Manpreet Kalra and Angad Singh, an activist couple navigating their careers and personal passions while impacting the world.
Crafting Legacy explores the remarkable journey of Bal Choda, whose story transcends his professional success at Aston Martin. The film delves deep into Choda's formative years in Southall as the youngest of five siblings, revealing how pivotal childhood experiences shaped his character and drive.
From the spiritual foundations laid by his grandfather and father to his rise in the automotive world, the documentary weaves together personal and professional threads illuminated through testimonials from family members—including his mother-in-law's powerful partition story. Bal Choda captures both his professional achievements and his commitment to mentorship and charity work, painting a portrait of a man whose legacy extends far beyond Aston Martin.
Dancing in the Dark chronicles the inspirational and adventurous life of Amarjeet Singh Chawla, a blind Sikh who has completed 100 marathons and holds a Guinness World Record.
Andretta Artists Village is a poetic exploration of Andretta, a small but extraordinary artist village in Himachal Pradesh, India. Once the dream of Irish theater artist Norah Richards in the early 20th century, the village has grown into a quiet cradle of creativity, housing potters, painters, writers, and theater practitioners from around the world. The film will travel through time and space—moving from Norah’s theatrical beginnings to major punjabi artists like Sobha Singh residing here, to the present-day studio of renowned potter Mansimran ‘Mini’ Singh—capturing the evolution and essence of a village where art is not just created but lived.
Lifting Together is an intimate short documentary that follows the journey of national record-holding weightlifter Harmanpreet Kaur and her husband-coach Sukhwinderpal Singh Padda, a professor and former athlete. Set in Punjab, India, the film explores their shared dedication to the sport, the gender and societal challenges they face, and the unique strength of their partnership—both on and off the lifting platform.
There are over 20 films in production. The following films have been added since our last update:
Flood footage: We have recently shot footage captured on the historical floods in India which will be integrated into an upcoming film.
Chef Life takes us on a flavorful adventure with Inderpal, a world-renowned chef known for his bold flavors and big heart. From street corners to heritage kitchens in Pakistan, he shares his life story while whipping up mouth-watering delicacies and celebrating the power of food to bring people together.
Peter Singh and Nino Kaur's Green Home
The film tells the story of Peter Singh and Nino Kaur, a South Delhi couple who have transformed their house into one of the cleanest-air homes in the country. With over 15,000 plants, solar power, rainwater harvesting, and natural construction techniques, they maintain an indoor AQI of just 10–15 even when the city outside is choking with pollution. Built as a healing sanctuary after Neno’s battle with cancer, their home is a living example of how care for the environment can also care for the people within it.
Other films still in production include the following:
Yuba City: A Tale of One City
This documentary chronicles the inspiring journey of Punjabi pioneers who built Yuba City from railroad workers to farmers, creating a thriving Sikh-American community that exemplifies cultural integration while maintaining their heritage. Their story represents resilience, perseverance, and community spirit that continues to shape the region today.
Yuba City stands as a powerful example of how a minority community can flourish while retaining its unique identity and making significant contributions to American society. Despite its importance as a model for multicultural success, this remarkable story remains largely unknown outside the Sikh community.
Sikhlens is committed to producing this film to the highest technical standards for global distribution. With $150,000 already secured for this specific film, we need visionary donors to help close the remaining $100,000 funding gap to bring this untold chapter of American history to worldwide audiences.
Nina's Olivar 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.
Sikh Motorcycle Club: Across the vast landscapes of Canada, a unique brotherhood roars to life on two wheels. From coast to coast, Sikh motorcycle clubs unite riders bound not just by their love of the open road, but by their unwavering commitment to serve others. These aren't your typical biker gangs—they're charitable warriors on Harleys, their turbans flowing in the wind as they partner with major organizations like Khalsa Aid, the Canadian Cancer Society, and Guru Nanak Food Bank. Every ride tells a story of community engagement; every mile raises funds for those in need.
In a groundbreaking display of religious accommodation, provinces like Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario have embraced these riders' faith, exempting turban-wearing Sikhs from mandatory helmet laws. This is the inspiring true story of how faith, freedom, and the call of the road converge to create something extraordinary—a movement where every throttle twist serves a higher purpose, and every ride becomes a journey toward making the world a better place.
Seva and Success: The Vic Sethi Story explores the remarkable journey of Vic Sethi, a British entrepreneur whose life reflects resilience, faith, and community spirit. From escaping the 1990 invasion of Kuwait to building a successful business in the UK, Vic shares how family values, belief in oneself, and cultural roots shaped his path. His story highlights overcoming racial bias, finding strength through faith, and his commitment to giving back. Alongside personal reflections, Vic discusses his heritage and support for the Sikhlens project—offering a heartfelt portrait of a man who turned life’s challenges into meaningful impact.
The following films premiered at our Sikhlens Arts and Film Festival in Leicester, England and will now be screened at our October and November festivals.
Amrita Kaur-A Magical Voice
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—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.
Flying High-Falcon Sikh Primary School: Celebrating its 10-year journey, Falcons Primary School - the first Sikh faith school in Leicestershire - showcases how its dedicated staff, families, and community members work together to inspire students who embody the school motto "To be the best we can be."
Cosmic Drama of Life: Ancient teachings collide with contemporary environmental crisis in this powerful animated journey through Guru Nanak Dev Ji's revolutionary ecological wisdom. Drawing from the sacred Salok of Japji Sahib, the film brings to life the profound truth that "Air is our Guru, Water is our Father, Earth is our Mother”, a divine trinity that humanity has forgotten in its relentless pursuit of progress. Through stunning visuals, witness how these sacred elements once guided civilization before being reduced to mere resources to exploit.
As the story unfolds, we witness the cosmic betrayal of our time: how modern civilization systematically pollutes the very forces that sustain us, exploiting and desecrating what our ancestors revered as sacred. Every act of environmental destruction is recorded in the "Cosmic Cloud", a spiritual black box that bears witness to humanity's choices. This haunting animated tale challenges viewers to confront our collective amnesia and rediscover the reverence our planet desperately needs.
Looking Ahead
Our growing collection of films builds bridges between cultures while respecting the traditions and stories that define Sikh heritage. The filmmakers behind these projects bring fresh perspectives that connect with our community and reach audiences beyond our borders.
Save the date for our annual Sikhlens Arts and Film Festival in Southern California, scheduled for November 21-23, 2025. Our global festival network will present these films across multiple locations—from Chandigarh and Chicago to the UK, Vancouver, Toronto, and Seattle, This international reach is possible because of your continued support.
As these projects move from development to completion, we'll keep you informed about key milestones along the way. Your support of Destination S goes beyond financial backing—it represents our collective commitment to using cinema to preserve cultural stories, encourage new perspectives, and create genuine dialogue.
Your partnership shapes every part of our work. We're eager to share updates as these important stories progress from initial ideas to finished films.
Watch for regular updates, and thank you for joining us in this meaningful endeavor.
