SILVER LINING – An inspiring journey of 17 + years of a philanthropic American-Sikh towards establishing a mission to improve eye-healthcare in Punjab, India is now available to be watched on Sikhlens youtube channel.
BICKY SINGH – EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF THE DOCUMENTARY FILM – ‘SILVER LINING’ AND FOUNDER OF SIKHLENS FOUNDATION AND SIKHLENS PRODUCTION
AS A PRODUCER AND FOUNDER OF SIKHLENS, PLEASE TELL US WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO DO SUCH A PROJECT AS SILVER LINING?
Sikhlens has several wonderful programs with leading film schools and one such program is Community Voices. That program looks for Sikh NGOs that are doing amazing work on the global scene and don’t have a digital voice, or films that describe their organization. We basically do SEVA and contribute our resources to produce a film so more people become aware of their work. This eventually leads to more people supporting them financially or volunteering for their cause. In the case of United Sikh Mission, it also helps people who cannot afford critical eye/health care services.
FILM-MAKING IS A LABORIOUS JOB, SO WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED?
Despite the laborious work, I am motivated not only by the success of our existing programs, but also by the need to expand our work. Our mission is to creative positive Sikh-Centric films for both the Sikh community and a mainstream audience. We have several programs that do that. Project S works with students from leading films school to create Sikh-Centric films. Students that have graduated from these film schools work with Destination S to create Sikh-Centric films and use the Sikhlens Equipment Grant for the film-making equipment. Sikhlens Digital Voices Program provides film-making training for younger students and Community Voices produces films for nonprofits. One of my biggest motivations is to take our message outside the four walls of our Gurudwaras and to the mainstream audience. Another motivation is that fact that as a minority we are underrepresented in film-making. I want our parents and children to be excited about film-making and investigate film-making opportunities and careers.
DO YOU THINK THE ROLE OF A PRODUCER IS VITAL?
Yes, because he’s the person who has to select the people and arrange the funding. He’s similar to the conductor of the orchestra coordinating everything, but also making sure there are the resources to produce a good film.
DO YOU THINK MOVIES LIKE SILVER LINING CAN BRING A GOOD CHANGE IN SOCIETY?
Yes, because Silver Lining is depicting the journey of United Sikh Mission, and since the film has had festival screenings before the release, they have grown significantly in their ability to do free eye camps in the rural areas of Punjab. Their goal is to expand to one hundred eye camps, and to help people who need eye care completely free of charge. This is a significant service with a huge impact on peoples’ lives.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS WHEN YOU MAKE A FILM?
There are multiple goals for each film we produce. It must appeal to the Sikh community and the mainstream community. We submit each film to many film festivals and showcase it at our Sikhlens: Sikh Arts and Film Festival held in several locations around the world, including here in Chandigarh in February. After screening at these film festivals for a couple of years, these films then reside on our Sikhlens YouTube channel. In addition to these goals, any Community Voices film, such as Silver Lining, has another goal. It must increase the awareness for the nonprofit Sikh organization enabling them to secure additional resources, whether monetary or manpower. Specifically in terms of United Sikh Mission the goal is to increase the current 50 eye camps to 100. Another goal is to secure support from Fortune 500 companies which are mandated by the Indian government to assist NGOs by providing funding, product contributions or employee volunteers. The film Silver Lining will be sent to pharmaceutical companies with the goal of obtaining eye drops for post-surgery needs. Eye camp participants also receive glasses or sunglasses, and these donations can be increased by the film. The film can also be used to showcase the activities of the United Sikh Mission during the grant writing process. When the goals of the United Sikh Mission are met, they are able to do more SEVA, and provide more camps.
WHAT, IN YOUR OPINION, IS THE MOST IMPORTANT QUALITY OF A FILM PRODUCER?
The ability to recognize the best people for the job, and then give them the creative freedom to do it. By not getting involved in the day to day and micromanaging, a beautiful project will be created. It is also important to provide the resources for everyone to be successful.
DO YOU AGREE A FILMMAKER HAS TO HAVE GREAT MANAGERIAL SKILLS?
Yes, definitely. But at the same time a filmmaker needs to be flexible for his team to be creative.
RASHPAL SINGH DHINDSA – FOUNDER OF UNITED SIKH MISSION; THE VISIONARY BEHIND THE LARGEST FREE OF COST EYE CAMPS ACROSS PUNJAB INDIA.
HOW HAS BEEN YOUR JOURNEY AS A PHILANTHROPIC TOWARDS ESTABLISHING A MISSION TO IMPROVE EYE-HEALTH CARE IN PUNJAB?
In 2005 we had just started with one eye camp and in the 17 years since we have been able to do a total of about 463 eye camps till date. I look forward to continue to grow this number as we try to reach more areas in need.
We have delivered a total of 252,709 eyes drop, 149,092 spectacles, 27,872Cataract surgeries.
HOW DO YOU FEEL THE FILM WILL CONNECT WITH THE PEOPLE AND WHAT IS YOUR AIM FOR THE PEOPLE WHO VIEW THIS FILM?
My hope for this film is for it to create awareness in those who watch it and for them to be inspired by United Sikh Missions actions to take a better look at those in their surroundings and help those in need.
HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE IN WORKING TO CREATE THIS FILM WITH UNITED SIKH MISSION?
We were very excited in the prospects of reaching more people with this film. Our aim is to create awareness in what we are trying to achieve and expand our operations to reach more people in the future.
HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE IN WORKING TO CREATE THIS FILM WITH THE PRODUCTION COMPANY SIKH LENS?
I felt that the Sikhlens production company was very professional in the way they conducted business and it made the entire process for film-making smooth and enjoyable.
HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE IN WORKING TO CREATE THIS FILM WITH THE DIRECTOR OF THE FILM OJASWWEE?
I feel that Ojaswwee really helped to keep the message we wanted to show in thefilm intact. He was a pleasure to work with and the film we have made together with him really encapsulates the message we want to send to the people.
SINCE YOU HAVE HAD THE CHANCE TO SEE THE FILM, HOW DO YOU FEEL LIKE THE STORY HAS BEEN PORTRAYED? HAS THE FILM DONE JUSTICE FOR YOUR JOURNEY TILL NOW?
I am happy to say that the film shows the kind of work we do and expresses the message well.
OJASWWEE SHARMA – AWARD WINNING FILMMAKER AND DIRECTOR OF THE DOCUMENTARY FILM – ‘SILVER LINING’
HOW WAS IT DIRECTING SILVER LINING?
Silver Lining has been filmed over a period of 3 months and travelling more than 30 locations in Punjab, India. The experience has been very overwhelming. I hope the viewers of Sikhlens understand the magnitude of philanthropic work being done in Punjab.
HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN WITH SIKHLENS AS THE PRODUCERS TO YOUR FILM?
Sikhlens Team and Bicky Singh have been very encouraging to support such subject matters. This film has been curated under the Sikhlens Community Voices Program which aims to showcase humanitarian and philanthropic work being done by various Sikh Organizations in India, USA and other regions of the world.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING A CAREER IN DIRECTION?
I would say, follow your instincts. Directing a film is a very instinctive and collaborative process. Along with being creative, build on people skills as well.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS WHEN YOU DIRECT A FILM?
My goal always stays on the story. I see it from the audience’s perspective after I’ve written the final draft. What does the audience take away from the film? After they have given time and attention to my film, they deserve a take-away. That could be an underlying message or entertainment or both.
THE SCRIPT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO MAKE A FILM. DO YOU THINK ALL DIRECTORS FOCUS ON THAT?
I agree on the first one. Script is the the most important thing in the film. If it falls flat, every other aspect will come crumbling down. Every makers tries to focus on the script. Some come off as successful, some remain in the attempt.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO WORK?
Untold stories, and conviction together drive me to work.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY TO YOUR FANS?
I would just like to them them for supporting my work and watching my films. Support good films, support independent films. Your support and encouragement to such stories encourage lot of makers especially the new ones to come up with brave attempts.
WHAT IS YOUR WORK REGIME?
I have been constantly working since the last 10 years now.
IS DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AN OPPORTUNITY OR A THREAT?
Digital technology is a double sided coin. It is inevitable and as makers we need to keep up with the evolving times.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF FILM FESTIVALS?
Film festivals are a fine platform for screening your films to a new market and networking with the industry and the producer-exhibitors of the hosting region.