| 7th Annual International Sikh Film Festival October 22-23, 2010 |
| ‘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 |
| by Press Release |
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September 17, 2010 - The Sikh Art and Film Foundation takes pride in announcing its Seventh Annual Film Festival on October 22nd, 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 heartrending Sikh stories across the globe, from both established and emerging filmmakers.
The Premiere will be held at Asia Society and Museum, in New York on October 22nd from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 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 ones experience of Sikhism; to teach and to inspire. The two day event will conclude with the Foundations annual Heritage Gala where awards will be presented to winners of the films.
Announcing the 2010 Festival and Gala, Mr. 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 went on to add, "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, Maharani Jindan, wife of one Maharajah and mother of another, owner almost brought the British Empire to its knees and the ensuing ruthless propaganda to scramble back and fight her.
Following the film showcase on October 22nd, an After Party will take place from 10:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. at the Garden Court, Asia Society.
The second day of the Film Festival will be held at the Asia Society and Museum on October 23rd, 2010. Short Films will be showcased from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and documentaries from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Among the movies that will be showcased at this time are 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 fiber), Robert Lupone (renowned American actor and artistic director both on stage, film and television) and Vicki Mabrey (correspondent for ABC News' "Nightline"). Winners of the films will receive cash prizes totaling $15,000 by venerated Raj Babbar at the Heritage Gala.
Concluding the Film Festival will be a glittering Sikh Heritage Gala at the prestigious The New York Public Library at Bryant Park at 7.00 p.m on October 23rd. 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. Live performance by none other than the bhangra sensation Sukhbir and Oscar performing choreographer Rujata along with DJ music will ensure the black tie event is fun packed and brimming with excitement.
The Sikh Arts and Film Foundation also recognize 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), Arpana Caur (for Art).
For tickets (at discounted prices before September 30th), itinerary, and schedule of films please visit http://www.sikharts.com
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About the Sikh Arts and Film Foundation
The Sikh Art and Film Foundation is a non-profit cultural organization dedicated to creating awareness of and pride in the diversity, culture and history of the Sikhs, as well as the contributions of Sikhs in American society.
OBJECTIVES
-To organize community programs that promotes better understanding of Sikh heritage, arts, and culture
-To encourage independent film directors, producers, and writers to create innovative works that touch on Sikh themes and issues
-To cultivate a greater and more accurate understanding of the Sikh way of life within the American community at large
-To provide a forum for ongoing dialogue between the Sikhs and other communities
-To present positive images of Sikhs through our policies of collection; development and curatorship
-To promote respect for the inalienable human rights and dignity of all people
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