“Youth
Cluster” as part
of the Sikh Art and Film Festival
to be held on Saturday, November 14
Los Angeles. Oct. 24, 2009
Bicky Singh
SikhLens is proud to announce the “Youth” cluster,
as part of the Sikh Art and Film Festival, to be held on Saturday
November 14 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, which will showcase 3 films
and 2 books!
  Starting
off the cluster is the book A Lion’s Mane, written by Navjot
Kaur. In this beautifully illustrated story, young readers
journey to cultures around the world to explore the meaning of
the dastaar, or turban of the Sikhs. Allusive words placed within
a vibrant red dastaar help promote our connections as global citizens
and encourage dialogue around issues of identity and kinship.
A Lion's Mane promises to be a staple on the shelves of all young
visionaries.
The second book to be showcased in this cluster is The Royal
Falcon, written by Jessi Kaur. This book depicts eight year old
Arjan who suspects his classmate of stealing his special pencil.
In a magical moment, Guru Gobind Singh ji’s falcon comes
alive to help him. The royal falcon then takes Arjan back to 1705
to witness Guru ji’s court in session. Join Arjan and Khushi,
the falcon, in an exciting tale of adventure and friendship.
Next, the festival is showing the animated film Maharaja- The
Story of Ranjit Singh. The film narrates the story of a great
warrior Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a prominent figure in the Sikh
history. The film portrays Maharaja Ranjit Singh from childhood
to his days of brave soldiery that contributed enormously to Punjab.
It depicts Ranjit Singh’s fearless acts as he defeats his
enemies and unites the Sikhs by producing the Khalsa rule. Maharaja
shows heroism of the people of Punjab and the glory of Punjab
at its peak.
Awaiting Your Potential is the next film being showcased at
the festival. The film offers a glimpse into the inspiration of
three young ones who hope to follow very different career paths
and highlights the core virtues of each profession. The Kaur Foundation
hopes to inspire confidence and compassion among a new generation
of Sikh children in their short and inspirational film, that promises
to be energizing no matter what your age!
The next film, It’s Like Juggling, features interviews with
young Sikhs and provides an insight into the lives of children
and young people in the Sikh community and what it is like to
be a Sikh living in Scotland. The film was launched in late 2003
surrounded by strong media interest, resulting in news features
on TV and radio.
“Sikhs
from Across the World” Cluster
as part of the Sikh Art and Film Festival, to be held
on Sunday November 15
Los Angeles. Oct. 19, 2009
Bicky Singh
SikhLens is proud to announce the “Sikhs from Across the
World” cluster, as part of the Sikh Art and Film Festival,
to be held on Sunday November 15 from 10:45 am to 1:30 pm, which
will showcase three films and a panel discussion.
Opening the cluster is the film For the Record. Directed by
Kuldip Powar, For the Record takes the viewer on a fascinating
journey into the lives of those who passionately collected and
sold vinyl records in the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s
in Southall, West London. Several award-winning singers and artists
give us insight into how vinyl records impacted on their musical
careers. The film also discusses the issue of piracy that ultimately
led to the demise of Indian vinyl production
Next on the docket is the world premier of the film The Rebel
Queen, directed by Michael Singh. The film reveals the turmoil,
murder, mayhem, heartbreak and diplomatic intrigue surrounding
an extraordinary woman, Maharani Jinda, the wife of one Maharajah
and mother of another. Forcibly separated from her son, escaping
from captivity, and finally reunited with him, she sets in motion
the wheels of justice that threaten to chase the British out of
India. Michael Singh, whose “Prisoner’s Song”
has won several awards, brings to life the triumphant and tragic
life of one of the most-feared challengers to the mighty British
Empire.
A very interesting feature of this cluster is the panel
discussion: The Rise and Fall of the Kingdom of Punjab.
World renowned historians and filmmakers will delve in to the
untold history and aspects of:
This cluster will conclude with the film My Mother India, followed
by an open Q & A with the filmmakers. This is a passionate
film told by the child of a mixed marriage and set against the
tumultuous backdrop of modern Indian history. Director Safina
Uberoi depicts her own life, it’s uniqueness, her journey
from India to Australia, and how the events of 1984 have shaped
and changed her life like she could never expect. Safina delves
into the depths of her own family and how her mixed background
led to a unique perspective on various historical events - from
partition in 1947 to the turmoil of 1984.
SikhLens will be holding its inaugural Sikh Art and Film Festival
2009 will be held at the historic Egyptian Theater in Hollywood,
California from November 13-15th, 2009.
SikhLens seeks to provide an outlet for sharing Sikh heritage
and culture with the rest of the world by creating awareness for
work that is “Sikh-centric,” showcasing our talent,
and instilling pride in our community.
SikhLens seeks work from artists in a variety of fields, including
but not limited to movies, books, music, and art. It creates appropriate
avenues for this work to be shared with the rest of the world
with the aim of getting more exposure for the presenters; and
at the same time creating awareness about Sikhs. This will result
in a better understanding of Sikh culture and values in a way
that is pure and unbiased.
If you have any questions/comments, feel free to contact Bandana
Singh, Media Director for the Sikh Arts and Film Festival
at sikhlens@gmail.com.
Sikh
Art and Film Festival on November 13-15, 2009
SIKHLENS is proud to offer its inaugural—and independent—Sikh
Arts & Film Festival. The Festival celebrates Sikh culture and
heritage, and will offer a variety of avenues for contributors to
share their talent.
Get ready for a sumptuous treat that will light up all senses with
a diverse assortment of films, books, art, performance pieces, and
music that is “Sikh-centric.” To mark the 25th anniversary
of the anti-Sikh riots of 1984, we will have a special dedication
with rare photographs and independent documentaries on 1984 riots;
and lectures and a panel discussion by esteemed speakers from around
the world. The festival premieres stirring documentaries, book signings
by notable authors, creations from world-renowned artists, and a
special event showcasing youth performing music, poetry, rap, and
everything else their creative imagination can conjure. We want
to prove that “Sikhs’ Got Talent.” You will also
get a chance to take a piece of our culture home through a silent
auction.
So, join us in the heart of Hollywood for an autumn celebration
for three days at Tinsel Town's oldest and most magnificent cinema
venue, the exquisite Egyptian Theater. The Festival will open its
inaugural evening with a ritzy gala on Friday evening, November
13th, 2009 in the gorgeous Pharaoh-themed courtyard outside the
700-seat theater.
If you have any questions/comments, feel free to contact Bandana
Singh, Media Director for the Sikh Arts and Film Festival
at sikhlens@gmail.com.
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Maharaja
Ranjit Singh, 
Mahraja
Duleep Singh