Sree Dancing through the seasons

Sree: Dancing Through the Seasons is a feature-length documentary that explores female empowerment within North America’s immigrant communities through the transformative power of dance. The film chronicles the personal journeys of four women, each representing a different season and cultural dance form, illustrating how reconnecting with their heritage through dance has helped them navigate the challenges of immigration and find fulfillment in their new homeland. ​New Horizon Hope Foundation
Fall – Ritu: After arriving in Canada as a young bride, Ritu’s marriage ends, leaving her isolated and uncertain about her future. She rediscovers her passion for dance, particularly Bollywood, and begins teaching it to others. This rekindled love not only restores her confidence but also enables her to give back to her community. ​New Horizon Hope Foundation
Winter – Jayshree: A trained Bharatanatyam dancer, Jayshree moves to America and, despite a happy marriage, faces challenges with infertility. After adopting children from India, she uses her dance skills to fundraise for the orphanage from which her children came, blending classical Indian dance with Western jazz music to bridge her past and present. ​New Horizon Hope Foundation
Spring – Tijana and Mirjana: Mirjana, who immigrated from Serbia to Canada in the early 1970s, is passionate about preserving Serbian folk dance traditions. Her daughter, Tijana, continues this legacy by participating in a non-profit organization associated with the All Saints Serbian Orthodox Church, ensuring that their cultural heritage is passed down to future generations. ​New Horizon Hope Foundation
Summer – Nikolina: A refugee from war-torn Bosnia, Nikolina finds solace and joy in joining a classical and Latin American dance group. Reclaiming the simple pleasure of dancing, which was lost during the war, becomes a vital part of her healing and integration into her new community. ​New Horizon Hope Foundation
Through these compelling narratives, Sree: Dancing Through the Seasons showcases how embracing cultural roots and artistic expression can empower individuals to overcome adversity and build meaningful connections in a new land.

New Horizon Media Arts is a Canadian organization dedicated to producing and promoting media content that highlights social issues and cultural stories. Founded in Mississauga, Ontario, the

New Horizon Media Arts (NHMA) was founded with the mission of empowering seniors through creative and educational initiatives. The organization focused on providing seniors with opportunities to share their knowledge, develop new skills, and actively participate in community-building activities.

Key Milestones and Achievements:

  1. New Horizon Seniors Grant
    • NHMA received the New Horizon Seniors Grant, which allowed it to conduct 32 workshops both online and offline. These workshops covered a range of topics including cybersecurity, art therapy, mental health, dance, nutrition, dental hygiene, ophthalmology, senior housing, insurance, writing, crafting, and more.
  2. Workshops and Community Engagement
    • NHMA’s workshops were primarily conducted by seniors, fostering peer learning and engagement.
    • The organization partnered with community centers in Mississauga, Brampton, and Guelph, as well as long-term care facilities when possible.
    • Topics addressed not only creative and technical skills but also health, wellness, and financial security for seniors.
  3. Filmmaking & Storytelling
    • NHMA introduced a filmmaking workshop where seniors participated in the creation of a documentary, capturing their life stories and experiences.
  4. Transition to CRAAF
    • In 2024, NHMA’s initiatives transitioned to the Canadian Reel and Art Foundation (CRAAF) to continue and expand its mission.
    • CRAAF now carries forward NHMA’s work, offering an accessible platform both online and offline for seniors to share their expertise, engage in creative expression, and connect with the community.
  5. Annual ‘Freedom’ Event
    • NHMA organized the ‘Freedom’ event annually since 2019, celebrating multiculturalism and community wellness. This event has now been taken over by CRAAF for 2025 and beyond.

NHMA left a lasting impact by creating inclusive spaces for seniors to learn, teach, and contribute to society. Its legacy continues through CRAAF, ensuring that seniors remain active, engaged, and valued in the community.

New Horizon Media Arts & Mallika Sothinathan

New Horizon Media Arts (NHMA) was a pioneering initiative dedicated to empowering seniors through education, creativity, and community engagement. The program focused on providing opportunities for seniors to share their expertise, learn new skills, and participate actively in community life.

Mallika Sothinathan’s Role & Contributions

Mallika Sothinathan was a key driving force behind NHMA. As the recipient of the New Horizon Seniors Grant, she played a crucial role in designing and implementing a series of 32 online and in-person workshops. These workshops addressed a wide range of topics, including:

  • Technology & Cybersecurity – Helping seniors navigate the digital world safely.
  • Art Therapy & Dance – Promoting mental and physical well-being through creative expression.
  • Health & Wellness – Sessions with nutritionists, dentists, ophthalmologists, and foot doctors.
  • Financial Security & Housing – Educating seniors on insurance, housing, and financial planning.
  • Writing & Crafting – Encouraging storytelling and hands-on creative activities.
  • Filmmaking – Involving seniors in documentary projects to share their life experiences.

Mallika’s leadership extended beyond NHMA, as she has been actively involved in community-building efforts and fostering senior engagement in Mississauga, Brampton, and Guelph. Her passion for healthy aging, preventing senior abuse, celebrating diversity, and financial security for seniors shaped the NHMA initiative into a widely recognized and impactful program.