Monday, September 1, 2008

What is Roots and Wings about ?

The U.S.A is proudly known to be the Melting Pot of the World.

But I am not entirely comfortable with the idea of achieving assimilation at the cost of diversity.

I’d rather see my country it to be a salad bowl where uniqueness is a good thing as long as it’s accompanied by co-existence.

‘Roots and Wings’ poses the question if one has to cut off their roots in order to spread their wings and soar high.





I interviewed the participants of a Sikh Youth Leadership retreat in my quest to highlight the challenges they face every day being both American and Sikhs, the spirit with which they overcome them and what they expect out of their fellow citizens.


With this documentary, I wish to highlight to the audience that beyond anonymity and mistaken perceptions, Sikh youth are truly American; dealing with their challenges bravely, they are uplifted and determined leaders of tomorrow with roots in perfect balance of spirituality and progressiveness.

The work aims for 'anyone who feels different on account of their visible identity or ideology' to realize that they can triumph being who they are if they are rooted in the a strong value system that embraces humanity. And that their roots in fact, strengthen them to soar high on their wings.

Worldwide Screenings, Awards and Recognitions

Nov. 1, 2009 1 PM


Facets Cinema, Fullerton Ave.
Chicago
Top Pix - Kid's Flix II






Sept 12, 2009
Hofstra University, NY
Award - Best Children's Film
Guest Speaker





August 2009
LA, California


Awards - Best 2009 Documentary Film
Most Promising Young Documentarian 2009



Aug 11- 15th 2009,
Barry, U.K.
Nominee - Best Foreign Documentary



June 11-14, 2009
Spiritual Film Category
Breckenridge Festival of Film, Colorado





April 25th, 2009 8:30 PM
Gurdwara Singh Sabha
of Washington, 5200 Talbot
Road South, Renton WA





April 25th, 2009 12:30 PM
National Film Festival for Talented Youth
Learning Lab EMPSFM
325 5th Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109




March 2nd, 2009
Award Best Student - Educational Category
IFFF, Hollywood, CA




Feb 28th 2009 12:00 PM
International Family Film Festival
at the Chaplin Theatre, Raleigh Studios
Hollywood, CA






Nov 15th, 2008 -
California Spinning Wheel Film Festival,
Writers Guild Theatre
Beverly Hills, California




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Oct 10th, 2008 - World Premiere -
Gala Night Selection and Recognition
Spinning Wheel Film Festival
at the Isabel Bader Theater, Toronto
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Phase 2 - What do the Educators have to say about this ?



Today, the burden of fighting ignorance and prejudice falls often on those who face it.

Discrimination, harassment and even hate crimes are the happenings that are not uncommon to the Young Sikhs of the U.S.A. All caused by ignorance.








But who is going to fix this?









Most of the youth are trying to educate their peers. But how much educating can or should they do? The burden of educating can not fall only on them. At least, I hope not.

Perhaps the education system needs to do more to promote diversity and educate the teachers, students and their parents about little known minorities such as the Sikhs and the other ethnic groups that make up the fabric of the American society ?




I wish to get the mainstream perspective on this issue for completing my work. I want to interview Educators, School going children and Policy Makers to get some answers. The aim is to create awareness about the issue, encourage dialogue to resolve it and inspire the system to make a change.

I believe that Media is a great way to accomplish this goal, that is why I started this project.





And I need your help to complete this.

I am looking for sponsors, editor, camera equipment, and help with DVD production. If you can help in any way, please contact me at rootsandwingsthemovie@gmail.com