This quarter's achievements stand as testament to the incredible power of our collective commitment. The remarkable response to our Dashvandh Network initiative demonstrates how deeply our community believes in cinema's capacity to transform hearts and minds. With our sights firmly set on reaching $225,000 by year's end, each donation becomes a building block in our expanding foundation of meaningful storytelling.

Creative momentum is surging throughout our filmmaking community, as more than twenty fresh productions have entered active development. These diverse projects weave together authentic Sikh narratives with universal human experiences that speak to audiences far beyond any single tradition. Our directors and storytellers are breaking new ground, developing bold visions that educate, provoke thought, and move viewers across the globe.

Join us as we explore the exciting lineup of current productions and discover how your generosity is helping these essential narratives come to fruition:

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.

Crafting Legacy (Bal Choda)

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.

Seva and Success- The Vic Sethi Story

This documentary 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.

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.

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.

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.

There are over 20 new films in production.  One of them is the following film which has been added since our last update:

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.

Looking Ahead

Our expanding collection of cinematic works creates powerful connections across cultures while honoring the rich traditions and profound wisdom of Sikh storytelling. The visionary artists behind these projects deliver distinctive voices that speak meaningfully to our own community while captivating viewers around the world.

Mark your calendars for our annual Sikhlens Arts and Film Festival in Southern California planned for November 21-23,  2025. We're excited to share that our worldwide festivals will showcase these compelling narratives across multiple continents—from Chandigarh and Chicago to the UK, Vancouver, Toronto, Seattle, and Orange County. This international celebration exists because of your unwavering commitment.

As we witness these concepts evolve into finished films, we pledge to maintain transparent communication about every milestone in our artistic process. Your investment in Destination S transcends monetary support—it reflects our shared belief in cinema's power to safeguard cultural legacy, shift worldviews, and foster authentic conversation.

Every aspect of our creative mission bears the mark of your partnership. We look forward with great anticipation to updating you as these vital narratives continue their journey from concept to screen.
Stay tuned for regular progress reports, and thank you for standing with us in this transformative work.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sikhlens Update – Destination S Project 2023-2024

April 2024

Dear Supporters,

With immense gratitude, we share the latest milestones reached by the eight captivating films your generosity has brought to life. Each project has evolved, marking significant progress in our shared mission to illuminate Sikh heritage and the universal human experience through cinema. Your support on the Dashvandh Network has been instrumental, and as we approach our stretch goal of $125,000, the impact of your contributions is ever more apparent.

1. Connecting the Dots

April 2024 Update: Since its release, Connecting the Dots has captivated audiences at multiple Sikhlens film festivals worldwide, including recent screenings in Southern California and Chandigarh, India. It is scheduled to be screened later this year in the UK Chicago, Denver, Seattle and Vancouver. The story of Rubab Chishti's dedication has inspired many, leading to new collaborations aimed at restoring historic sites in Pakistan and India. We're exploring these opportunities with great enthusiasm.
2. Lord and Lady Singh

April 2024 Update: We're thrilled to announce that Lord and Lady Singh has completed its final post-production phase and is now being showcased at Sikhlens film festivals globally. The documentary's deep dive into the lives and legacy of Lord Indarjit Singh and Lady Kawaljit Kaur Singh continues to foster interfaith understanding and community advocacy.
3. Deserted Gems

April 2024 Update: Deserted Gems remains in post-production, with our team dedicated to polishing the final product. This exploration of gemstone mining in America's deserts is poised to offer a unique cultural and environmental perspective.
4. Pothimala

April 2024 Update: Pothimala has reached completion and is currently making its rounds in the Sikhlens film festival circuit. The film offers an intimate look at the historical and artistic significance of the Pothimala Gurdwara, promising to enlighten and inspire.
5. Rising Above: The Kamal Singh Story

April 2024 Update: We are excited to announce the world premiere of Rising Above: The Kamal Singh Story at Sikhlens UK on May 18th, 2024. This film's journey from production to completion showcases the inspiring ballet career of Kamal Singh, reflecting the power of determination and artistry.
6. Every Day Activists

April 2024 Update: Every Day Activists has transitioned smoothly into post-production. The film highlights the impactful lives of Manpreet Kalra and Angad Singh, showcasing the balance between activism, career, and passion.
7. Nina's Olivar Farm

April 2024 Update: Now in post-production, Nina's Olivar Farm promises to deliver a heartwarming tale of entrepreneurial spirit and cultural exploration. Nina's journey from a holiday to launching a Spanish olive oil business encapsulates adventure and perseverance.
8. Dancing in the Dark

April 2024 Update: Dancing in the Dark, documenting the extraordinary life of Amarjeet Singh Chawla, has been completed. This film not only celebrates his incredible achievements but also serves as a beacon of inspiration and resilience.
We eagerly anticipate premiering these films at the Sikhlens Arts and Film Festival from November 21-24, 2024. Your continued support fuels our journey, allowing these stories to resonate and inspire across the globe. We thank you for being a vital part of this creative endeavor and look forward to sharing more achievements in the future.

Warm regards,

The Sikhlens Team

As we enter a new year filled with hope and creativity, we thank you for your generous support. Your contributions have met and exceeded our goal of $100,000 on the Dashvandh Network. In fact, DVN has approved us for a new stretch goal of $125,000. This incredible milestone begins an extraordinary journey in storytelling and cultural preservation.

We are thrilled to announce that the funds you helped raise are already fueling the creative processes of eight films. These projects, diverse in their themes and stages of production, are a testament to the rich tapestry of Sikh heritage and the universal narratives that resonate across communities.

Here's a glimpse into the progress of each film. They are listed below with a brief description and the current stage of production. If available a couple of photos, a poster, or short trailer are provided.

1. Connecting the Dots has been completed. The film follows young architect Rubab Chishti's dedication to pioneering proper restoration of Pakistan's historic Gurdwaras, saving an abandoned 190-year-old Gurudwara within the Rohtas Fort.

2. Lord and Lady Singh is in final post production. 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.

3. Deserted Gems is in 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.

4. Pothimala is in final post-production. This film documents the history, art, and preservation of the Pothimala gurdwara.

5. Rising Above: The Kamal Singh Story is still in filming. The film chronicles the inspiring journey of international ballet star Kamal Singh, from his humble beginnings in India to taking the world stage. Watch the trailer here.

6. Every Day Activists has just begun 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.

7. Nina's Olivar Farm has completed filming and will soon begin post-production.  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. Watch the trailer here.

8. 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.

These films are not just stories; they are windows into diverse experiences and a testament to the human spirit. We are proud to inform you that these films will be premiered at the Sikhlens Arts and Film Festival from November 21-24, 2024. We invite you to join us in celebrating the stories your support helped bring to life.

We promise to keep you updated as these projects progress. Your contribution is not just financial; it is a shared belief in the power of storytelling and its ability to connect and inspire.

Thank you once again for being an integral part of this journey. We look forward to sharing more updates and, eventually, the fruits of our collaborative efforts.