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SikhLens
organizes SAFF to underline Sikh experinece for the world
WSN Network
 The
recent SikhLens’ initiative in organizing the first Sikh Art and
Film Festival (SAFF) on Friday November 13 was well received and was
attended by over 750 guests.
The SAFF 2009
Opening Gala was a night to remember. A set of short films, a
tribute to the recently deceased scholar Patwant Singh, and a
Sikhlens exclusive overview of the festival were the highlights.
Bob Bassett,
Dean of the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman
University, was among the participants. He, alongside President Doti
(Chapman University), received the Partners in Progress award,
presented by Raj and Marta Bhathal, for the University’s support and
commitment to the festival.
In further
partnership, SAFF 2009 hosted the unveiling of the 2010 Sikhpoint
Calendar, Conserving Sikh Heritage, by Gurmeet Rai. Actor/Comedian
Harvin Sethi brought his unique spark as Co-Master of Ceremonies
alongside the charismatic Festival Chairs Tina Kaur Anand and Ravin
Kaur Kohli.
Films featured
during the Gala were: Location/Situatedness through Memory, a film
focused on the Sikh encounter with colonial power; and Nineteen
Eighty-Four and the Via Dolorosa Project, a semi autobiographical
art documentary film by the Singh Twins that culminates in a project
that seeks to bring the atrocities of 1984 to a global audience by
making parallels between the Sikh experience of 1984 and the
Christian tradition of the Via Dolorosa or “path of pain."
SAFF also
honored the heart and soul of the festival through the awards
ceremonies to: filmmakers, authors, heritage and creative media
partners. With the likes of veteran Bollywood producer Puneet Sira (Kisaan)
and one of the visionaries behind the Sikhnet Online Youth Film
Festival, Gurmustak Singh Khalsa, in attendance.
Later on in the
evening was an entertaining Bhangra performance by the award winning
NBA (National Bhangra Association) team, which was followed by the
upbeat musical performance by Meetu Chilana, presented by Rukus
Avenue and the winner of AVS's Voice of Choice Award 2009. A
delectable dessert reception, DJ and dancing closed this evening of
elegance.
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.
(For any more
info, contact Bandana Singh at sikhlens@gmail.com.)
18
November 2009
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