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DEC 12, 2025
The past three months have demonstrated the remarkable dedication of those who stand with us. Our Dashvandh Network has generated an inspiring level of engagement, underscoring the deep faith our community places in film as a transformative medium that bridges divides and sparks connection. Every gift—regardless of size—brings us closer to our target of $100,000 and strengthens the infrastructure needed to bring powerful stories to life.
Meanwhile, our creative pipeline is thriving like never before. More than twenty film projects are currently moving through production, each one weaving together genuine Sikh narratives. The filmmakers we support are crafting work that informs, provokes reflection, and extends its impact to viewers across the globe.
This autumn brought a solid collection of films that showcased contemporary Sikh storytelling. These productions represented dedicated work from our filmmakers, each offering perspectives on identity, faith, community, and the human experience. The films demonstrated the cultural authenticity and artistic quality that guide our mission.
The following are some of the films premiered November 21st-23rd at our annual Sikhlens Arts and Film Festival in Southern California. Some of the films were also screened at our Sikhlens Arts and Film Festival in Toronto on October 4th.
Mitti is a heartwarming story about Jasleen and her family as they journey back to their ancestral village in Pakistan. Through old memories, emotional reunions, and heartfelt conversations, the film captures their experience of reconnecting with their roots and the land their forefathers once called home.
Water Warriors is about water pollution in rivers of Punjab and how it’s affecting the entire population of the state. There’s a group of young people who are working to clean the rivers. They have named themselves, ‘water warriors’. This film talks about their work and the actual issue.
Everyday Activists tells the inspiring story of Manpreet Kalra and Angad Singh, an activist couple navigating their careers and personal passions while impacting the world.
Crafting Legacy explores the remarkable journey of Bal Choda, whose story transcends his professional success at Aston Martin. The film delves deep into Choda's formative years in Southall as the youngest of five siblings, revealing how pivotal childhood experiences shaped his character and drive. From the spiritual foundations laid by his grandfather and father to his rise in the automotive world, the documentary weaves together personal and professional threads illuminated through testimonials from family members—including his mother-in-law's powerful partition story. Bal Choda captures both his professional achievements and his commitment to mentorship and charity work, painting a portrait of a man whose legacy extends far beyond Aston Martin.
Lifting Together is an intimate short documentary that follows the journey of national record-holding weightlifter Harmanpreet Kaur and her husband-coach Sukhwinderpal Singh Padda, a professor and former athlete. Set in Punjab, India, the film explores their shared dedication to the sport, the gender and societal challenges they face, and the unique strength of their partnership—both on and off the lifting platform.
Yuba City: A Tale of One City: This documentary chronicles the inspiring journey of Punjabi pioneers who built Yuba City from railroad workers to farmers, creating a thriving Sikh-American community that exemplifies cultural integration while maintaining their heritage. Their story represents resilience, perseverance, and community spirit that continues to shape the region today. Yuba City stands as a powerful example of how a minority community can flourish while retaining its unique identity and making significant contributions to American society. Despite its importance as a model for multicultural success, this remarkable story remains largely unknown outside the Sikh community. Sikhlens is committed to producing this film to the highest technical standards for global distribution. With $150,000 already secured for this specific film, we need visionary donors to help close the remaining $100,000 funding gap to bring this untold chapter of American history to worldwide audiences.
Nina's Olivar captures Nina's venture into the olive oil business during a holiday abroad, blending her journey as an American Sikh with a flourishing Spanish olive oil business.
Seva and Success: The Vic Sethi Story explores the remarkable journey of Vic Sethi, a British entrepreneur whose life reflects resilience, faith, and community spirit. From escaping the 1990 invasion of Kuwait to building a successful business in the UK, Vic shares how family values, belief in oneself, and cultural roots shaped his path. His story highlights overcoming racial bias, finding strength through faith, and his commitment to giving back. Alongside personal reflections, Vic discusses his heritage and support for the Sikhlens project—offering a heartfelt portrait of a man who turned life’s challenges into meaningful impact.
Flood Footage: We have recently shot footage captured on the historical floods in India which will be integrated into an upcoming film.
Chef Life takes us on a flavorful adventure with Inderpal, a world-renowned chef known for his bold flavors and big heart. From street corners to heritage kitchens in Pakistan, he shares his life story while whipping up mouth-watering delicacies and celebrating the power of food to bring people together.
Hidden Gems delves into the unique intersection of gemstones and culture in the deserted parts of America. Veteran miner Niranjan Singh Khalsa leads this journey into the lives of gemstone miners. The film's post-production has been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, but we anticipate its release in 2025.
Dancing in the Dark chronicles the inspirational and adventurous life of Amarjeet Singh Chawla, a blind Sikh who has completed 100 marathons and holds a Guinness World Record.
Andretta Artists Village is a poetic exploration of Andretta, a small but extraordinary artist village in Himachal Pradesh, India. Once the dream of Irish theater artist Norah Richards in the early 20th century, the village has grown into a quiet cradle of creativity, housing potters, painters, writers, and theater practitioners from around the world. The film will travel through time and space—moving from Norah’s theatrical beginnings to major punjabi artists like Sobha Singh residing here, to the present-day studio of renowned potter Mansimran ‘Mini’ Singh—capturing the evolution and essence of a village where art is not just created but lived.
The expanding catalog of productions we're cultivating serves as a vital link across different worlds, honoring the narratives and customs at the heart of Sikh identity. Those leading these creative endeavors offer innovative viewpoints that speak to our own circles while extending their influence to international viewers.
Mark your calendars now: the Sikhlens Arts and Film Festival returns to Southern California November 20-22, 2026. Through our worldwide festival partners, these cinematic works will screen in venues spanning Chandigarh, Chicago, the United Kingdom, Vancouver, Toronto, Seattle, and new in 2026—Africa. This expanding geographic footprint exists only through your support and dedication.
Throughout the coming months, we'll provide regular updates as productions advance from early stages toward their final form. When you invest in Destination S, you're doing more than contributing funds—you're joining a unified effort to safeguard heritage through storytelling, spark alternative ways of thinking, and foster authentic cross-cultural exchange.
Everything we accomplish stems from your involvement. We look forward to bringing you news of these meaningful narratives as they evolve from concept to completed work.
Fundraising campaigns for Arts & Culture
Zero platform fees and matching funds increase your impact.
Updates from Sikhlens Destination S Fund 2025–2026’s efforts, posted on a regular basis.
Every cause is reviewed before it can receive a dollar.
Join over 27,000 Sikhs to rise higher than we could alone.
Fundraising campaigns for Arts & Culture
A Day In Punjab - Seattle
Sevadar
A Book on Life & Legacy of Bhai Avtar Singh Ragi
Nad Music Institute
ARTivism: Inspiring Activism Through the Arts
ICAAD
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Sikhlens Community Voices 2024-2025
Sikhlens
Noor Singh Niara - The Movie
Khalsa Media Services
Sikhlens Animations 2025–2026: Bringing Sikh Stories to Life Through AI
Sikhlens
Sikhlens Publications: Bringing Sikh Stories to the Mainstream 2025-2026
Sikhlens
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