This years film festival was all about Kaurs. That is why it was great to see so many Kaurs making films. These women created such a variety of messages. They had heart, soul and a little of the unexpected.
In the Sikh tradition we have an amazing legacy of equality and justice for women. From the female ministers of Guru Amar Das, warriors and leaders like Mai Bhago and, the mother of the Khalsa, Mata Sahib Kaur Ji, we have such powerful examples. It is not easy for women to be heard when they share their voices. It is not even easy for women to step up and ask to be heard in the first place. The courage that strong women in Sikh history exemplified, we see shining through when our women today speak.
Serendipitously it is also Mata Sahib’s birthday today. What a good day to acknowledge the efforts of her daughters! In her virtuous footsteps we recognize the following Kaurs, their courage, their leadership and their voices.
This is the story of a Sikh girl who believes in the principle of equality. When confronted with her own oversight she has to undergo some soul searching before she realizes that a turban is like a lighthouse which announces that she is a Sikh. A classic line from this movie which sums it all up: “It’s not only about DEMANDING equality… but about ACCEPTING equality as well.”
Gupt Kaur - With or Without Her
This film tackles a difficult subject. It shows the inner conflict of a woman who is deciding whether or not to keep her daughter. People are telling her to get rid of the baby. Two versions of her life are shown: One with her daughter and and one without.
It clearly shows a light in a dark world that is violent towards women.
Based on recent and shocking events, this film shows the courage of one woman who finds the strength to fight through!
Kiran Kaur - Kes, Cancer Train, Warrior Empress
Kiran Kaur produced three films this year. Between these films we
see such a mixture of raw talent. In ‘Kes’ and ‘Warrior Empress’ we see very vivid and powerful imagery. ‘Cancer Train’ has another kind of imagery; Powerful word painting. The talent contained in these films is tremendous.
With her twin brother Harnek, Rasna has made a film that candidly expresses sincere and real messages from real women. This film shows how diverse, unique and inspiring each Sikh woman can be.
Ravneet Kaur- Karizmaa of Kaur
Going against the stereotype that Sikh women can only do nitnem and household chores, the heroine of this film wears her turban, runs a multi-national company and is a successful wife and mother of two.
Simran, Jivan, Gursimran - I Am Equal
These three young women have created a film that highlights the equality of women in the Sikh tradition. It is an engaging discussion of the challenges that Sikh women face. It is also a call to action so that, as the filmmakers say, “...we can ensure a brighter and more equal future.”
Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa - Be Brave, A Testimony on Courage
This short film, ‘Be Brave’ gives a blast of inspiration by showing real Sikh women and how they overcame their challenges in life. ‘A Testimony on Courage’ is a moving speech given by the filmmaker at the Youth Parliament of Western Australia. Warning: before watching these films you may need to get some tissues handy.
Tripta Kaur - So Kyu Manda Ankhiye
In this film, Tripta Kaur highlights the virtue of woman with the most powerful words on the subject: Those of the Guru. This film brings Gurbani to life by demonstrating women in her many facets.
Many congratulations and thanks to our female directors this year. It is clear that the voices of Kaurs have been heard. We only hope that this will continue and increase.
May Mata Sahib Kaur, the mother of the Khalsa, bless us all.