2019 Sikh International Film Festival

2019 Sikh International Film Festival

Celebrate the rich Heritage, Traditions & Culture of Sikhs and the immigrant experience through a diverse mix of Documentaries, Shorts & Feature Films.

 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9

at the Paley Center for Media in New York City

(25 W 52nd St, New York, NY)

Guest of Honor

Honorable Tom DiNapoli

New York State Comptroller

Event Schedule

Session One: Women's Empowerment (1-3pm)

Host & Moderator: Sandy Walia

Session Two: Diverse Heritage (4-6pm)

Host & Moderator: Harmeet Bharara

Premiere Feature Session (7-9pm)

Host: Hansdip Bindra
Moderator: Prof. Balbinder Bhogal


Scheduled Films

 

Guru Nank: The Founder of Sikhism - Life & Legacy
NY PREMIERE

Guru Nanak: The Founder of Sikhism - Life & Legacy

Directed By Gerald Krell & Adam Krell

This year will mark the 550th birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. As a visionary, feminist, and innovator, Guru Nanak was a revolutionary leader who stood up for the rights of people on the fringes of society. Despite his vision and the relevance of his teachings, virtually no Americans have heard of Guru Nanak. This documentary will educate Americans about Guru Nanak and about his vision to create a more equal society. In addition, it shows examples of Sikhs making a difference in the lives of many people here in America and other parts of the world by following the teachings of Guru Nanak!

Baby

Baby

Directed by Nikki Chawla

Baby is the journey of a dedicated mother, sister, daughter, and loyal friend who receives unexpected news about her health which transforms her into a spiritual warrior. Her soul light guides and shines on her younger sister and helps her understand that we are not our bodies, that the soul is eternal, and that their bond is imperishable. 

Jutti Kasoori

Jutti Kasoori

Directed by Dr. Nicole Ranganath

California’s South Asian Punjabi women share their extraordinary life stories over the last century in dramatic eyewitness accounts and rare archival footage. Pioneer women describe their extensive contributions to peach farming, and to the revival of the religious and cultural life of the Punjabi community in the Central Valley. Younger women try to balance their professional ambitions with their family duties, culture and faith.

In the Footsteps of Guru Nanak from the Land of Nanak

In the Footsteps of Guru Nanak from the Land of Nanak

Directed by Nilofer Afridi Qazi

Guru Nanak was born in what is our home in Pakistan, we celebrate his 550th birth year in November 2019. We travel in his footsteps.

Knitted Beliefs

Knitted Beliefs

Directed by Salman Alam Khan

A Tapestry of Harmony. Experience the peace in Narayanpura, a neighborhood in Karachi, where Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs live in arguably the largest multi-ethnic community in Pakistan.

Nuclear Home

Nuclear Home

Directed by Sahil Kaur

A day in the life of an American family comes to an abrupt halt on the anniversary of September 11th.

Gurdwara Panja Sahib

Gurdwara Panja Sahib

Directed by TJ Sandhuu; Voice over and Interviewer: Priya Barjatya Dhingra; Concept and written BY Sangeeta Barjatya Jain

This film depicts the famous shrine at Hasan Abda near Rawalpindi in Pakistan. The word "Panja" in Punjabi means an "outstretched palm" from the word "Panj," meaning "five." The shrine is thus called because the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev ji, left his handprint that can still be found on a boulder at the Gurdwara. The film provides the audience with a description of the shrine and details on how to travel to it. Also included are highlights of some of the beautiful experiences of people who've visited the shrine.

She is Strong

She is Strong

Directed by Brynne McKee, Kylie Miller, Hulukoa Nunokawa, Kaustubh Singh, and Emily Tapanes

Rupinder Kaur, an internationally recognized wrestler, finds the balance between raising her daughter and pursing her wrestling career. After sending her daughter away to India so she can train, Rupinder suffers a crushing injury and loss at the Commonwealth Games. She discovers that in her life her biggest motivation to keep fighting is her daughter.

Style with Kaur

Style with Kaur

Directed by Skye Barclay, Orion Huang, Stephawn Spears, Zhan Luo, Ben Yates, and Lidieth Arevalo

Karan Kaur is the first ever turbaned Sikh fashion blogger. Despite her international following, and acclaim, she still struggles to balance eastern and western cultures. We follow Karan in her daily life and her pursuit of launching her first official fashion line for girls who value beauty and modesty.

The International Coin Mafia

The International Coin Mafia

Directed by SURJIT SINGH PAHWA

A shy, elderly, serious collector of Sikh coins goes against the international coin mafia that wants his collection.

The Mystic Master
WORLD PREMIERE

The Mystic Master

Directed by Vikram Sahney

On the ocassion of 550th Birth Anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, a small documentary on his life and teachings.

Winner of Peace

Winner of Peace

Directed by Kelly and Taylor Killefer

A young Sikh poet steps into the public eye after competing on “Australia’s Got Talent” and must walk the line between her community and personal beliefs, finding solace in spoken word.

 


Film list is subject to change without notice.