| SikhLens is proud to announce the “Sikhs from Across the World” cluster, as part of the Sikh Art and Film Festival, to be held on Sunday November 15 from 10:45 am to 1:30 pm, which will showcase three films and a panel discussion.
Opening the cluster is the film For the Record. Directed by Kuldip Powar, For the Record takes the viewer on a fascinating journey into the lives of those who passionately collected and sold vinyl records in the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s in Southall, West London. Several award-winning singers and artists give us insight into how vinyl records impacted on their musical careers. The film also discusses the issue of piracy that ultimately led to the demise of Indian vinyl production.
Next on the docket is the world premier of the film The Rebel Queen, directed by Michael Singh. The film reveals the turmoil, murder, mayhem, heartbreak and diplomatic intrigue surrounding an extraordinary woman, Maharani Jinda, the wife of one Maharajah and mother of another. Forcibly separated from her son, escaping from captivity, and finally reunited with him, she sets in motion the wheels of justice that threaten to chase the British out of India. Michael Singh, whose “Prisoner’s Song” has won several awards, brings to life the triumphant and tragic life of one of the most-feared challengers to the mighty British Empire.
A very interesting feature of this cluster is the panel discussion: The Rise and Fall of the Kingdom of Punjab. World renowned historians and filmmakers will delve in to the untold history and aspects of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Maharani Jinda, and Maharaja Duleep Singh. The Golden Age of the Punjab (1801-1849) would witness the establishment of the Sikh Kingdom under Ranjit Singh and also it's eventual disintegration and annexation. Internationally acclaimed British artists Amrit and Rabindra,( the Singh Twins ) will preside over a panel discussion examining the characters and intrigues associated with this critical yet often misunderstood period .From the dazzling heights of the coronation of the " Sarkar - e - Khalsa" to the chaos and the anarchy which followed Ranjit Singh's death this session seeks to examine the events and circumstances which defined this tumultuous period in Sikh history.
The panel of accomplished historians with a specialist interest in Sikh heritage comprises Jyoti M. Rai, co-author with the late Sr Patwant Singh of the acclaimed "Empire of the Sikhs", David Jones, curator of the Ispwich Museum, Norfolk, UK and Sarinjit Singh, Trustee of Maharajah Duleep Singh Centenary Trust.
This cluster will conclude with the film My Mother India, followed by an open Q & A with the filmmakers. This is a passionate film told by the child of a mixed marriage and set against the tumultuous backdrop of modern Indian history. Director Safina Uberoi depicts her own life, it’s uniqueness, her journey from India to Australia, and how the events of 1984 have shaped and changed her life like she could never expect. Safina delves into the depths of her own family and how her mixed background led to a unique perspective on various historical events - from partition in 1947 to the turmoil of 1984.
SikhLens will be holding its inaugural Sikh Art and Film Festival 2009 will be held at the historic Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, California from November 13-15th, 2009.
SikhLens seeks to provide an outlet for sharing Sikh heritage and culture with the rest of the world by creating awareness for work that is “Sikh-centric,” showcasing our talent, and instilling pride in our community.
SikhLens seeks work from artists in a variety of fields, including but not limited to movies, books, music, and art. It creates appropriate avenues for this work to be shared with the rest of the world with the aim of getting more exposure for the presenters; and at the same time creating awareness about Sikhs. This will result in a better understanding of Sikh culture and values in a way that is pure and unbiased.
If you have any questions/comments, feel free to contact Bandana Singh, Media Director for the Sikh Arts and Film Festival at sikhlens@gmail.com. |
