The Kaleidoscopic portraits of the Sikh community sparked a new perspective at the Sikh International Film Festival

A tribute to the immigrant experience, the Sikh International Film Festival on September 18-19, 2009 promoted the Sikh and Punjabi culture and heritage. While the two-day festival encapsulated Sikh history, art and politics in films by independent filmmakers, the closing night gala at the opulent Ciprani on Wall Street was a heady mix, shimmering in stardom with presence of renowned personalities from media, film and art fraternity, including special appearance by M. F. Husain, India's best-known painter, who arrived at Asia Society on September 19th.

In its 6th year, the festival had diverse documentaries, short and feature films by independent filmmakers on issues affecting the Sikh community. Amongst the 14 films screened during the festival, the US Premiere of ‘Turbanology’, which essayed the West’s reaction to the Sikh turban after the 9/11 terror attack, drew wide attention from the audience.

The Indian envoy to the UN, Hardeep Singh Puri praised the Sikh community’s efforts to promote the customs, traditions, culture, and identity. During the Sikh Heritage Awards, after the film festival, he said, "The Sikh community, both here and in India, is recognized for its hard work and commitment."

The Sikh Twins, who directed ‘1984 and the Via Dolorosa Project’ which was screened on September 18th. Their poignant documentary marks 25 years of genocide in India when thousands of innocent Sikhs were killed in the aftermath of assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. On an upbeat note, the world premiere of ‘Flying Sikhs: A History of Sikh Fighter Pilots’ provided an intimate portrait of the valiant Sikh pilot’s contribution towards the Allies victories in WWI and WWII.

Guest of Honor, Consular General Parbhu Dayal announced the film award winners selected by the distinguished panel of judges including Dr. Sarab Singh Neelam whose film Ocean of Pearls debuted at the Sikh Film Festival last year, Tibetan filmmaker Ngawang Choephel, and Vicki Mabrey – correspondent for ABC News Nightline. ‘A Warrior’s Religion’, directed by Mani Amar which explored urban youth gang violence in the South Asian community, won the Best Documentary Award. Kuldip Powar’s winning Short Film ‘Unravelling’ explored the complex themes of war & remembrance, loss & exclusion and colonial legacy in contemporary Britain through poetic motifs.

An instant success of the evening was the silent and live auction of exquisite Sikh & Punjabi Art featuring Arpana Caur's art, jewelry and bronze artwork. Actor Samrat Chakrabarti whose film The Waiting City debuted at the Toronto Film Festival with resounding success was also part of the red carpet gala event. In addition, Pooja Kapoor, a Bollywood actress, for Bollywood Hero, lighted up the evening with her shimmering dress while tapping her feet on DJ Kucha's catchy beats.

Infectious rhythms of Bangra pioneers RDB (Rhythm Dhol Bass) from UK and Nindy Kaur had everybody grooving to popular hits from Bollywood movies till the wee hours.

Sikh International Film Festival 2009 -- Turbanology New York Style!

NEW YORK, NY - The Sikh Community is identifiable by their colorful turbans that can be seen in every borough of the modern world capital -- New York City. Sikh turbans have taken on a new meaning in the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy. Many people mistook Sikhs for terrorists because of their turban and as a result, they have been victims of hate crimes. This emanated the need for an organization to educate New Yorkers about Sikhs and also help them assimilate into the Western society.

The Sikh Arts and Film Foundation has stepped forward to represent this cause. It was established six years ago with a mission to promote better understanding of Sikh heritage, arts and culture, as well as the contributions of Sikhs in American society.

Every year the organization celebrates the rich heritage, traditions and culture of Sikhs and the South East Asian immigrant experience through a diverse mix of Independent Documentary and Short Films at the Sikh International Film Festival 2009 September 18-19, at the Asia Society.

-- 1984 and the Via Dolorosa Project and My Mother India is at the outset of the Feature Session on Friday, September 18 to mark 25 years of genocide in India when thousands of innocent Sikhs were killed in the aftermath of assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi.

-- This emotionally charged Session ends on an upbeat note with the World Premiere of Flying Sikhs: A History of Sikh Fighter Pilots which provides an intimate portrait of the valiant Sikh pilots contribution towards the Allies victories in WWI and WWII.

-- The Documentary Session on Saturday, September 19 explores the topic of urban gang violence in A Warrior's Religion.

-- The enchanting History of turban -- from ancient Christianity to modern day Sikhs -- is essayed in the US Premiere of Turbanology. This powerful documentary explores the impact of the war on terrorism and western society's reaction to a humble article of faith -- the turban.

The Sikh Heritage Gala, a formal black-tie event at Cipriani Wall Street, concludes the Film Festival. Acclaimed film-director and producer Mira Nair is the Guest of Honor for this evening of dance performance, art auction, and live entertainment accentuated by Bhangra pioneers RDB from the UK.

Dr. Paul Johar, Film Festival Chair, explained, "The primary goal of the films we show is to hold a mirror not only for Sikhs but to an audience worldwide. We have a diverse set of films, and encourage film makers with our support every year by awarding $15,000 in prize money!"

The winners in the Documentary and Short Films will be selected by a notable panel of judges including Dr. Sarab Singh Neelam - Director of Ocean of Pearls, Sabrina Dhawan - Writer of Monsoon Wedding, and Vicki Mabrey - Correspondent for ABC News Nightline.

Since 2008, Governor - David A. Paterson has issued a proclamation declaring the Sikh International Film Festival dates as Sikh Heritage Week, in recognition of the Sikh Art & Film Foundation's efforts to promote cultural diversity in New York.

Complete Schedule, Film Details and Tickets at www.sikharts.com.