VisionTV group celebrates the "Spirit of South Asia"

TORONTO, June 21 /CNW/ - Digital specialty service One: the Body, Mind & Spirit channel plans to broadcast a series of interstitial segments celebrating the spiritual and cultural life of Canada's South Asian community.

The two-minute "Spirit of South Asia" interstitials, currently being produced for the network by Toronto-based Sixteen Films Limited, are slated to air on One: the Body, Mind & Spirit channel throughout the broadcast day. The content is also expected to air on One's basic cable sister service, the multi-faith network VisionTV, and will be viewable online at VisionTV Video on Demand: http://video.visiontv.ca/.

Said Mark Prasuhn, Chief Operating Officer for the VisionTV group of channels: "For many years, we have proudly offered a rich and varied lineup of programs by and for South Asian Canadians. As an extension of our efforts in this area, we are pleased to be developing new and original content that will highlight the remarkable vibrancy and diversity of Canada's fastest-growing community."

The 20 "Spirit of South Asia" shorts will explore this community's customs, traditions and beliefs, through conversations with some of its most renowned personalities - among them Canadian national cricket team captain Ashish Bagai, choreographer and dancer Lata Pada, and actress Lisa Ray (Bollywood/Hollywood, Defendor).

Toronto filmmaker Richie Mehta, a 2009 Genie Award nominee for his debut feature, Amal, will direct a number of the segments.

Gemini Award-winning documentary filmmaker Cyrus Sundar Singh (Film Club, Painted Nation) will also handle directorial duties.

The VisionTV group is one of the country's leading providers of content for South Asian Canadian viewers.

VisionTV devotes its entire Saturday schedule to South Asian faith and entertainment programming for Sikh, Hindu and Muslim viewers. The VisionTV group's local Joytv stations in Winnipeg and the B.C. Lower Mainland also broadcast an extensive lineup of programs for the South Asian community.

For further information: Media contact: David Todd, Media Relations Manager, VisionTV, Phone: [phone] ext 207, Email: [email protected]; For more information on VisionTV programming, please visit www.visiontv.ca; For information on One: the Body, Mind & Spirit channel: www.onebodymindspirit.com