Oct. 20 2010: The Sikh Art and Film Foundation takes pride in announcing its Seventh Annual Film Festival Friday, Oct 22, 2010.
Faithful to its mission of creating awareness and pride in the diversity, culture and history of the Sikhs, the festival will showcase exemplary masterpieces in film-making, art and direction.
The two-day event will offer a range of 12 films, dealing with heart-rending Sikh stories across the globe, from both established and emerging filmmakers.
The premiere will be held at Asia Society and Museum, New York, Oct 22, from 7-9.30pm. The festival will bring the immigrant experience of the Sikhs to the forefront with a diverse mix of short films. The glamour of the event will be heightened with glitterati walking the red carpet, a champagne reception and an informational Q&A. It will also provide an excellent forum to network with dignitaries, ambassadors, celebrities and corporate leaders.
The exclusive films that will be unveiled at this event were selected to elevate one's experience of Sikhism, to teach and to inspire.
The two-day event will conclude with the Foundation's annual Heritage Gala where awards will be presented to winners of the films.
Announcing the 2010 festival and gala, Tejinder S. Bindra, President of the Sikh Art and Film Foundation, said: "I am humbled with the encouragement and overwhelming response we are getting for our festival year after year. At only the seventh year of its inception the Sikh Film Festival has grown phenomenally.
"I feel much pride in witnessing the interest of young Sikhs in our culture and their enthusiasm in participating in this event," he added. "I hope they are inspired by our tradition and culture, and continue to make us proud Sikhs in society."
Vikas Khanna's Holy Kitchens: A True Business, directed by Dalit Singh, produced by Andrew Blackmore and Dobbyn Webberz, is about the religious tenet of providing free food (Langar) through its kitchen temples, to all regardless of their belief. The film provides a historical perspective of the origin of Sikhism.
Harvest of Grief, directed by Anwar Jamal and produced by Rasil Singh Basu, is a documentary that deals with a farmer's suicide in Sangrur in south Punjab. The alarming agricultural scenario in Punjab has been caused by a chain of disruptive historical events and myopic government policies.
The Rebel Queen, directed by Michael Singh, deals with how the daughter of an Indian dog kennel owner, Maharani Jindan, wife of one Maharajah and mother of another, almost brought the British Empire to its knees, and the ensuing ruthless propaganda to scramble back and fight her.
Following the film showcase on Oct 22, an After Party will take place 10pm-1am at the Garden Court, Asia Society.
The second day of the film festival will be held at the Asia Society and Museum Oct 23. Short films will be showcased 11am-1.30pm and documentaries 2-5pm.
Among the movies to be showcased here willbe heart-rending stories such as Nothing is Impossible, Cancer Express, Riding the Tiger and Why? We are killing our daughters. Present among the panel of distinguished judges will be personalities such as Dr Narinder S. Kapany (Indian-born American physicist, widely acknowledged as the father of optical fibres), Robert Lupone (renowned American actor and artistic director) and Vicki Mabrey (correspondent for ABC News' Nightline).
Winners of the films will receive cash prizes totalling $15,000 by venerated Raj Babbar at the Heritage Gala.
Concluding the festival will be a glittering Sikh Heritage Gala at the prestigious The New York Public Library at Bryant Park at 7pm Oct 23. The evening will celebrate the rich heritage, traditions and culture of the Sikhs with a star-studded evening of live performances, dance, art exhibition and auction.
The Sikh Arts and Film Foundation also recognizes individuals for their contributions toward enriching the Sikh experience. Awards will be presented to individuals who have contributed towards this experience during the Heritage Gala. The honorees for 2010 Heritage Awards are Raj Babbar (for Vision), Padmashree Vikramjit S. Sahney (for Leadership), and Arpana Caur (for Art).
Watch the promo video:
For itinerary, schedule of films and other details visit: www.sikharts.com