We are excited to announce the successful completion of the first Film Scholarship Partnering Program with the Chapman Dodge School of Film & Media Arts and Sikhlens. The Scholarship Program began with a simple premise: there is no better way for Dodge students to understand the Sikh culture, than to have them create films based around issues and traditions of the Sikh heritage. Last year we announced that two scholarships would be given to Dodge students. Our visionary sponsoring families were Raj and Marta Bhathal, and Sandy and Harriet Sandhu.
Two teams of three young filmmakers were awarded these scholarships, and both groups have completed two fantastic films about contemporay Sikhs, suitable for both the Sikh and mainstream audiences. Last year's scholarship recipients have had life-changing experiences while making these two films. We, at Sikhlens, are delighted with the artistic, creative work of these upcoming young film professionals. We invite you to join us at the 2011 Sikhlens Festival at Chapman, to see their remarkable work. Below is an overview of the two projects prepared by the scholarship recipients:
Sikh Film 1 Working Title: “Boldá” Approximate Running Time: 12minutes
Boldá explores two sisters, two worlds, and more importantly - One Faith - in the lives of Ranjit and Paramjit. The two are Sikh sisters, one living in California and the other in India, as they discover a profound spiritual connectedness in a world of separateness. Click here to view the Directors perspectives about the film “Boldá”.
Sikh Film 2 Working Title: "Humble, the Poet" Approximate Running Time: 13 minutes
With tattoos and a turban, “Humble the Poet” is a Sikh hip-hop artist based in Toronto Canada, whose message is expressed with a twist. He harnesses the power of combining the spoken word with music, re-defining the immigrant experience in a bold fashion. Take a ride inside the mind of Humble as he navigates the line between two cultures, aiming to define himself as a hip-hop artist, while reconciling his identity as a modern Sikh. He takes the tenets of Sikhism into imaginative and unconventional realms. Click here to view the Filmmakers expressions on Humble, and the making of this film.
Building on the momentum of last year's scholarship donors, we are doubly pleased to announce that Gurinder and Prabhjot Ahluwalia have joined the Bhathals, and the Sandhus in underwriting a third scholarship for the 2011-2012 season. The students at Chapman Dodge School of Film and Media Arts will have an opportunity to compete for three scholarships sponsored through Sikhlens to produce films based around the Sikh tradition.
If your family or friends are inspired and motivated to sponsor another Scholarship/Grant based on a Sikh “story, event, heritage, profile”, we are always looking for additional inspiring donors.
The 2010 scholarship produced films will receive their world premiere at the 2011 Sikhlens Festival, please check our website for the schedule of their screening. Come experience these exciting films on Sikhs through the fresh and positive eyes of non-Sikhs!
