Sikh Film Festival 7th
Sikh Film Festival & Heritage Gala concludes with sold out events

Best Documentary award goes to "Khanabadosh", "Nothing Is Impossible" wins the Best Short Film The 7th Annual Sikh Film Festival and Heritage Gala enveloped the air of Manhattan with festivities and celebration for a period of three days from Oct 21 – Oct 23 2010. People from all walks of life the world over were witness to the grandeur of the event and walked home somber with the experience of enriched knowledge of Sikh way of life and issues faced by the community through films.

Honoree Raj Babbar shakes hands with the President of "Sikh Art and film Foundation" Tejinder Singh Bindra while Member of Parliament Tarlochan Singh looks on.

It all started on October 21 with D S Jaspal's eye opening photographic exhibition at the Indian Consulate titled - "Tryst with Trees". The exhibition was of sacred Sikh shrines commemorated by the names of trees.

Honoree Padmashree Vikramjit Singh Sahney thanks the Foundation after receiving his Award as President of the foundation. Tejinder Singh Bindra and Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri look on.

On October 22 a Feature Session followed the glitterati of celebrities walking the red carpet. The session showcased three films, namely a premiere of Vikas Khanna's "Holy Kitchens – A true business", a premiere of "Harvest of Grief" and "The Rebel Queen". A Q&A session with the filmmakers after the movies left the audience with a transformational experience. While explaining how making the movie changed him – Vikas Khanna replied that his movie "is the work of love and made not only to increase knowledge about Sikhism but as a message to his mother about his love for Amritsar – his birthplace."

Sukhbir performing at the Gala while the audience moves to his beat.

For Amrita Basu and Rekha Basu it was voicing their mother, Rasil Basu's message to the world through the "Harvest of Grief." Both reiterated the deepening experience that transformed them completely while making the movie and also moved the government to look into the plight of farmers in Punjab more seriously. Tejinder Singh Bindra, President of The Sikh Art and Film Foundation, took this instance to stress how a "picture equals a thousand words" and can influence decisions towards the benefit of a community.

Harmeet Bharara - Gala Chair for the Festival at the premiere on Oct 22

Mandeep Sobti - Finance Chair for the Festival at the premiere on Oct 22

Paul Johar - Film Chair for the Festival at the premiere on Oct 22

The biggest challenge for Michael Singh, the filmmaker of "The Rebel Queen," was to work on a film about Maharani Jindan, of whom no visuals apart from portraits of models posing as her existed. Applauding the filmmakers on the occasion, Raj Babbar, actor/producer/ parliamentarian, said, "I must congratulate all the filmmakers for their choice of subjects and the courage they have exhibited in making these films." The after party that followed quickly lightened the solemn mood of the audience with the beat of throbbing music, dance and entertainment.

October 23 was a completely sold out event that showcased films in competitive categories for awards in Best Short Film and Best Documentary, followed by a Q&A session with the filmmakers. The audience quickly took this opportunity to express their Sikh Film Festival appreciation for the movies that touched their hearts.

Honoree Raj Babbar, President of Sikh Art and Film Foundation Tejinder Singh Bindra and Michael Singh at the premiere on Oct 22.

Honoree Arpana Caur and Patron Of SAFF and CEO of Master-Card Ajay Banga in front of Arpana’s “ Sachcha Sauda”

The celebrations then moved to the New York Public Library where a grand gala ended the 7th annual Sikh Film Festival. Preneet Kaur, who was to be chief guest at the gala, could not make it to the event due to a family emergency.

She however, complimented the Sikh Art and Film Foundation for their excellent accomplishment in achieving their mission and raising awareness about Sikhism in a video message.

At the event Tarlochan Singh, Member of Parliament, awarded Mr. Raj Babbar for his contribution in Vision. Padamshree Vikramjit Sahney was awarded by Indian Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri for his contribution in Leadership.

Arpana Caur was awarded for her contribution in Art by the Consulate General of India, Prabhu Dayal. Mr. Dayal underlined the importance of community and teamwork while explaining how each finger by itself was weak but greatly strengthened a packed fist. Commenting on the occasion, the Film Chair, Paul Johar brought to notice "not only the diverse range of films but the filmmakers from all walks of life behind them."

The esteemed panel of judges comprised Amrita Basu, Rekha Basu, Dr. Balbinder S. Bhogal, Aseem Chhabra, Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany, Robert Lupone, Vicki Mabray, IJ Singh and Safina Uberoi. The coveted Best Documentary award went to "Khanabadosh" while "Nothing Is Impossible" won the Best Short Film. The judges, however, made a special mention to "Riding the Tiger" under the category of shorts.

The live auction saw immense excitement and participation from the guests. Ajay Banga, CEO of MasterCard, won the bid to Arpana Caur's "Sachcha Sauda" at $16,000 and faithfully paid for it with his MasterCard. A cricket bat signed by the Indian cricket team was auctioned for $11,500, half the proceeds of which went to the charity ‘Khushi.'

The Prince of Bhangra, Sukhbir's performance at the gala shook the dance floor that saw the tapping feet of Sikhs and Americans all the same. He also performed at the after party that ended the long awaited Sikh Film Festival in 2010.