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.