Your unwavering support has been instrumental in turning our vision into reality this quarter. The overwhelming enthusiasm for our Dashvandh Network campaign reflects our community’s dedication to amplifying powerful stories through film. As we strive toward our ambitious $225,000 goal by the end of 2025, every contribution plays a vital role in expanding our portfolio of impactful projects.
Excitement is growing across our creative network, with over fifteen new films now in development. Each project offers a fresh perspective on Sikh heritage while tackling themes that transcend cultural boundaries. Our filmmakers are pushing creative limits, crafting narratives designed to enlighten, challenge, and inspire audiences worldwide.
Let’s take a closer look at our current projects and see how your support is bringing these important 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 and was screened again in Chandigarh in February. 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.
Saka Sirhind - Animation
Saka Sirhind, an animated film inspired by the historic Saka Sirhind, premiered in Chandigarh on February 22th. 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.
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.
Yuba City Archives
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.
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—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!
There are over 15 new films in production. One of them is the following film which has been added since our last update:
Bal Chod: Beyond The Legacy
An intimate documentary portrait exploring 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.
In conclusion
Through our diverse portfolio of films, we're crafting narratives that serve as cultural bridges while preserving the essence and depth of Sikh heritage. Our talented filmmakers bring unique perspectives that resonate with both our community and global audiences.
Join us for the Sikhlens Arts and Film Festival in November 2025. We're excited to announce our international screening tour will bring these powerful stories to audiences in Chandigarh, Chicago, the UK, Vancouver, Toronto, Seattle, and New York City. Your generosity has made this global showcase possible.
As these projects transition from vision to reality, we remain dedicated to keeping you engaged throughout the creative journey. Your support of Destination S represents more than financial backing—it embodies our collective commitment to using film as a medium for cultural preservation, perspective transformation, and meaningful dialogue.
The influence of your contribution extends through every element of our creative endeavor. We eagerly anticipate sharing future developments as these important stories take shape.
Watch for our upcoming updates, and thank you for your continued support.
