The Sikh Coalition just ended its first Diversity Video Competition. Chandani Kaur Kohli took home the first place prize with her film, 'Elephant In The Room'. Chandani will be showing her award-winning film at the Sikh Art and Film Festival on October 23, 2010. She will also take home the $1,000 grand prize. Sunny Dhillon won $500 in second place with his film, "You Can't Judge A Book By Lookin At The Cover." The Coalition received submissions from 5 different countries across the globe including Italy, New Zealand, Canada, India, and the U.S.
The purpose of the Diversity Video Competition was to provide the public a space to engage in a dialogue on civil rights issues, stereotypes, and myths surrounding minority groups, including Sikhs. It is through this dialogue that the Coalition hopes to dissolve ignorance and spread awareness of discriminated minorities.
This year's topic asked filmmakers to create a 5 minute (or less) video that looks at minority groups and how they struggle to impart the message: you can't judge a book by its cover.
Today in the United States, especially since the events of 9/11, the turban has been often associated with terrorist groups, including Osama Bin Laden, the Taliban, and others. However, the vast majority of people who wear turbans in the US are not terrorists, but Sikhs - and their appearance, although similar, often marks them for discrimination. Because of this appearance, Sikhs, as well as many minority groups in America have had to work hard to send this message: you can't judge a book by its cover.
The competition had two phases: A panel of judges narrowed down all entries to the top two videos, and then the public was given the opportunity to view both videos and vote for the winner.
The Sikh Coalition congratulates all filmmakers who submitted their videos for the first Diversity Video Competition. The Coalition was very pleased by the response received, and hopes to use these videos to raise awareness about Sikhs and other minorities.