The purpose of the Diversity Video Competition is to provide the public a space in which they may engage in an artistic dialogue on civil rights issues, stereotypes, and myths surrounding minority groups (with a particular anchor in the Sikh experience).It is through this artistic dialogue that the Coalition wishes to help dissolve ignorance and spread awareness of discriminated minorities.

The competition had two phases: A panel of judges narrowed down all entries to the top two videos, and then the public was given the opportunity to view both videos and vote for the winner.

No film experience was required to participate, and people of all ages were encouraged to submit. All entries were considered without regard to race, sex, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, religious affiliation, or disability.

2010 Winners!

First Place

First Place Winner ($1,000 grand prize)

By Chandani Kaur Kohli

This was Chandani’s first attempt at film making. It was a challenge to learn a new skillset in her continuous exploration of the creative arts. The bonus: She fell in love with the process from directing to editing. She says the film, “Elephant in the Room” is a work in progress, but she hopes you enjoyed it. She has a few projects currently under construction and would love any involvement and encourage a conversation.

Love. Challenge. Love. Change. Love. Accept. Love.

Second Place

Second Place Winner ($500 grand prize)

"Can't Judge A Book By Lookin At The Cover" by Sunny Dhillon

Sunny was born in the Himalayas and came to the U.S. at a very young age. He currently lives in Northern California. He received his Biomedical bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering from John Hopkins University. Sunny is currently pursuing his MBA at Rutger’s University.

Sunny enjoys international travel and extensive road trips. He is passionate about well made movies, art, capturing life in photographs, creating interesting short movies, cooking fine foods, inventing novel gadgets and day dreaming of complex theoretical ideas & scientific analysis. He aspires to create a film on Sikhism one day.

In addition, the 1st place video will be shown at the Sikh Art and Film Festival on October 23, 2010, an annual NYC-based festival conceived to shed light on the Sikh experience. More information about the Festival can be found here.

Topic

Today in the United States, especially since the events of 9/11, the turban has been often associated with terrorist groups, including Osama Bin Laden, the Taliban, and others. However, the vast majority of people who wear turbans in the US are not terrorists, but Sikhs – and their appearance, although similar, often marks them for discrimination. Because of this appearance, Sikhs, as well as many minority groups in America have had to struggle to impart the message: you can't judge a book by its cover.

Referencing Sikh American and other minority experiences, please create a 5 minute video (or less) that explores the statement, "You can't judge a book by its cover."

Panel of Expert Judges

Paul Johar

A Diplomate of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons. He is also a fellow of the American College and American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons. He is currently the managing partner of Adirondack Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, a full scope practice based in Albany, NY. Paul is also an integral part of Sikh Art and Film Foundation and Chairs their Annual International Sikh Film Festival.

Kevin B. Lee

A filmmaker and critic based in New York City. His credits include the award-winning documentaries “Dastaar: Defending Sikh Identity” and “Take a Look: Chinatown NYC Post-9/11.” He has produced three short films that have been broadcast on PBS' "Reel New York" series and has screened his work at several festivals. Kevin is Vice President of Programming and Education for dGenerate Films. His responsibilities include identifying the best works of independent Chinese cinema for the dGenerate catalog and consulting with educators on using dGenerate films in their teaching and scholarship. Kevin also writes prolifically on film and has been published in Time Out New York, Cinema-scope, Cineaste and the Chicago Reader.

Manbeena Kaur

Manbeena Kaur is the Education Director for the Sikh Coalition. The long term goal of the Education program is to create a cultural shift in the minds of the general public and to ensure that people have positive associations with Sikhs and Sikh practices. Manbeena has led various nationwide and regional education projects in order to achieve this end. She has been involved with and overseen several film projects for the Coalition, and has had four years of experience in both film capture and editing.

Judging Criteria

• Creativity and Originality: is the filmmaker conveying a theme, message, and/or experience in a new, exciting, and interesting way? Is the film engaging for the viewer?
• Message: Is the filmmaker exploring a deeper issue or addressing a problem faced by minority groups? Is the message effectively conveyed? How well does the movie provoke thought in its viewers?
• Quality: the movie is produced with technical and cinematographic aptitude and is edited well.
• Versatility: does the filmmaker address discrimination towards multiple minority communities, or focus simply on one?
• Requirements: submissions meet file length limit and use copyright-free music.