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SAFF 2025: Saturday Afternoon PDV Session - Theater 2 - 1:00PM-2:30PM 

Join us Saturday afternoon at 1PM for Sikhlens’ Saturday Afternoon PDV Session.



Panthic Digital Voice (PDV),
 a partnership between the Sri Hemkunt Foundation and Sikhlens, empowers Sikh youth by equipping them with essential filmmaking skills. Sahej Kaur Chawla and Amrit Singh Chawla, alumni of the PDV program, will serve as the hosts for the display of PDV films crafted by  talented community children. The Sikhlens Panthic Digital Voices Program (PDV) traces its origins back to film school scholarships and has grown exponentially since its inception in 2015. Over 1,000 children, ranging in age from six to eighteen, have been trained in the art of filmmaking. This unique venture has brought to life more than 125 short films. A Q&A session will follow the screenings.


This session will be screening in Theater 2.
The content, selections, and schedule are subject to change without notice.

Join us Saturday afternoon at 1PM for Sikhlens’ Saturday Afternoon PDV Session.



Panthic Digital Voice (PDV),
 a partnership between the Sri Hemkunt Foundation and Sikhlens, empowers Sikh youth by equipping them with essential filmmaking skills. Sahej Kaur Chawla and Amrit Singh Chawla, alumni of the PDV program, will serve as the hosts for the display of PDV films crafted by  talented community children. The Sikhlens Panthic Digital Voices Program (PDV) traces its origins back to film school scholarships and has grown exponentially since its inception in 2015. Over 1,000 children, ranging in age from six to eighteen, have been trained in the art of filmmaking. This unique venture has brought to life more than 125 short films. A Q&A session will follow the screenings.


This session will be screening in Theater 2.
The content, selections, and schedule are subject to change without notice.

  1. 1:00 pm

SAFF 2025: Saturday Afternoon Shorts Block #1 - Theater 1 - 1:00PM-2:30PM

Join us Saturday afternoon at 1PM for Sikhlens’ Saturday Afternoon Shorts Block #1, presenting the following short films:


To Kill A Tiger


Ranjit, a farmer in India, takes on the fight of his life when he demands justice for his 13-year-old daughter, the victim of a brutal gang rape. His decision to support his daughter is virtually unheard of, and his journey unprecedented.


Amrita Kaur – A Magical Voice


From gurdwara halls in Malaysia to festival stages in New Zealand, this short documentary follows vocalist Amrita Kaur’s inspiring musical journey. Through intimate interviews and lyrical footage, it explores the deep bonds of inter-generational mentorship, the commitment to daily riaz (practice), and the nuanced experience of maintaining Punjabi-Sikh identity across three continents. This tender portrait reveals how heritage is not merely preserved but reinvented, showing how faith, family, and song travel together as harmonies cross borders, resonating with hope and cultural continuity.


Everyday Activists


Everyday Activists follows Manpreet Kaur and Angad Singh, a Sikh couple merging activism and healthcare. This documentary explores how their Sikh values of Seva and compassion drive their work for social justice. Through intimate interviews, we see Manpreet’s advocacy and Angad’s medical practice tackle issues like science skepticism and authoritarianism. Their story shows how cultural identity and personal conviction can fuel the pursuit of a more equitable society.


This session will be screening in Theater 1.
The content, selections, and schedule subject to change without notice.

Join us Saturday afternoon at 1PM for Sikhlens’ Saturday Afternoon Shorts Block #1, presenting the following short films:


To Kill A Tiger


Ranjit, a farmer in India, takes on the fight of his life when he demands justice for his 13-year-old daughter, the victim of a brutal gang rape. His decision to support his daughter is virtually unheard of, and his journey unprecedented.


Amrita Kaur – A Magical Voice


From gurdwara halls in Malaysia to festival stages in New Zealand, this short documentary follows vocalist Amrita Kaur’s inspiring musical journey. Through intimate interviews and lyrical footage, it explores the deep bonds of inter-generational mentorship, the commitment to daily riaz (practice), and the nuanced experience of maintaining Punjabi-Sikh identity across three continents. This tender portrait reveals how heritage is not merely preserved but reinvented, showing how faith, family, and song travel together as harmonies cross borders, resonating with hope and cultural continuity.


Everyday Activists


Everyday Activists follows Manpreet Kaur and Angad Singh, a Sikh couple merging activism and healthcare. This documentary explores how their Sikh values of Seva and compassion drive their work for social justice. Through intimate interviews, we see Manpreet’s advocacy and Angad’s medical practice tackle issues like science skepticism and authoritarianism. Their story shows how cultural identity and personal conviction can fuel the pursuit of a more equitable society.


This session will be screening in Theater 1.
The content, selections, and schedule subject to change without notice.

  1. 1:00 pm

SAFF 2025: Saturday Children's Session - Theater 2 - 2:30PM-3:50PM

Join us Saturday afternoon at 2:30PM for Sikhlens’ Saturday Children’s Session!  Children and their parents can enjoy a book reading and a program of animated films. Snacks will also be provided to the children.


Sandip K. Sodhi will read Proud to be a Kaur.


The films in this session include:


COSMIC DRAMA OF LIFE
Ancient teachings collide with contemporary environmental crisis in this powerful animated journey through Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s revolutionary ecological wisdom. Drawing from the sacred Salok of Japji Sahib, the film brings to life the profound truth that “Air is our Guru, Water is our Father, Earth is our Mother”—a divine trinity that humanity has forgotten in its relentless pursuit of progress. Through stunning visuals, witness how these sacred elements once guided civilization before being reduced to mere resources to exploit.


As the story unfolds, we witness the cosmic betrayal of our time: how modern civilization systematically pollutes the very forces that sustain us, exploiting and desecrating what our ancestors revered as sacred. Every act of environmental destruction is recorded in the “Cosmic Cloud”—a spiritual black box that bears witness to humanity’s choices. This haunting animated tale challenges viewers to confront our collective amnesia and rediscover the reverence our planet desperately needs.


SAKA SIRHIND
A decade in the making, Saka Sirhind is Sikhlens’ first full-length animated feature, produced under our new division, Sikhlens Animations. The film brings to life one of the most significant and poignant events in Sikh history — the martyrdom of the younger Sahibzade, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji (age 9) and Baba Fateh Singh Ji (age 6), the sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. In 1704, in the city of Sirhind, they were bricked alive for refusing to abandon their Sikh faith and convert to Islam, an act of courage and steadfastness that continues to inspire generations.


Conceived by the late Professor Narindra Singh, founder and chairman of Sikhlens India, and realized through the artistry of  Animator Pardeep Singh Matharu, the project was revived and completed by the Sikhlens team after Professor Singh’s passing. Saka Sirhind marks the beginning of a new era in animated Sikh storytelling, with more animated and 3D films to follow each year.


Sikh & Punjabi Animation Showcase
The Sikh & Punjabi Animation Showcase highlights the recent work in Sikh and Punjabi content — blending 2D and 3D animation to tell powerful stories of history, culture, and values. From Akaalgarh and Maano Billa to educational series like Jeet Singh and Beer Kaur and Lipi.

Safar
The journey of two friends and their communities who were once inseparable.

Choosing Kindness

Choosing Kindness is a film about Sikh principles that can be related to everyday life.



This session will be screening in Theater 2.
The content, selections, and schedule subject to change without notice.

Join us Saturday afternoon at 2:30PM for Sikhlens’ Saturday Children’s Session!  Children and their parents can enjoy a book reading and a program of animated films. Snacks will also be provided to the children.


Sandip K. Sodhi will read Proud to be a Kaur.


The films in this session include:


COSMIC DRAMA OF LIFE
Ancient teachings collide with contemporary environmental crisis in this powerful animated journey through Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s revolutionary ecological wisdom. Drawing from the sacred Salok of Japji Sahib, the film brings to life the profound truth that “Air is our Guru, Water is our Father, Earth is our Mother”—a divine trinity that humanity has forgotten in its relentless pursuit of progress. Through stunning visuals, witness how these sacred elements once guided civilization before being reduced to mere resources to exploit.


As the story unfolds, we witness the cosmic betrayal of our time: how modern civilization systematically pollutes the very forces that sustain us, exploiting and desecrating what our ancestors revered as sacred. Every act of environmental destruction is recorded in the “Cosmic Cloud”—a spiritual black box that bears witness to humanity’s choices. This haunting animated tale challenges viewers to confront our collective amnesia and rediscover the reverence our planet desperately needs.


SAKA SIRHIND
A decade in the making, Saka Sirhind is Sikhlens’ first full-length animated feature, produced under our new division, Sikhlens Animations. The film brings to life one of the most significant and poignant events in Sikh history — the martyrdom of the younger Sahibzade, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji (age 9) and Baba Fateh Singh Ji (age 6), the sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. In 1704, in the city of Sirhind, they were bricked alive for refusing to abandon their Sikh faith and convert to Islam, an act of courage and steadfastness that continues to inspire generations.


Conceived by the late Professor Narindra Singh, founder and chairman of Sikhlens India, and realized through the artistry of  Animator Pardeep Singh Matharu, the project was revived and completed by the Sikhlens team after Professor Singh’s passing. Saka Sirhind marks the beginning of a new era in animated Sikh storytelling, with more animated and 3D films to follow each year.


Sikh & Punjabi Animation Showcase
The Sikh & Punjabi Animation Showcase highlights the recent work in Sikh and Punjabi content — blending 2D and 3D animation to tell powerful stories of history, culture, and values. From Akaalgarh and Maano Billa to educational series like Jeet Singh and Beer Kaur and Lipi.

Safar
The journey of two friends and their communities who were once inseparable.

Choosing Kindness

Choosing Kindness is a film about Sikh principles that can be related to everyday life.



This session will be screening in Theater 2.
The content, selections, and schedule subject to change without notice.

  1. 2:30 pm

SAFF 2025: Saturday Afternoon Matinee # 2 - Theater 1 - 2:35PM-4:35PM

Join us Saturday afternoon at 2:35PM for Sikhlens’ Saturday Afternoon Shorts Block #2!

2:35 PM – 4:35 PM – AFTERNOON MATINEE 2 – THEATER 1

Ride by Turbanators
Across the vast landscapes of Canada, a unique brotherhood roars to life on two wheels. From coast to coast, Sikh motorcycle clubs unite riders bound not just by their love of the open road, but by their unwavering commitment to serve others. These aren’t your typical biker gangs—they’re charitable warriors on Harleys, their turbans flowing in the wind as they partner with major organizations like Khalsa Aid, the Canadian Cancer Society, and Guru Nanak Food Bank. Every ride tells a story of community engagement; every mile raises funds for those in need.

 

 

 

Harmony of Healing
Harmony of Healing follows the journey of Major General Dr. Lakhvinder Singh Vohra (retired), a renowned oncologist who saved countless lives but couldn’t save those dearest to him. When his wife is diagnosed with cancer, his world shatters, leading to personal breakdown. Yet he finds strength to rebuild and embarks on a new path as a singer. Dr. Vohra’s story illustrates the resilience of the human spirit and its capacity to heal and flourish even in the most challenging trials, inspiring anyone facing their own struggles.

 

 

 

Crafting Legacy
Crafting Legacy tells the inspiring story of Bal Choda, a boy from Southall who discovered a love for drawing at a young age. What began as a simple hobby soon grew into a lifelong passion. Through years of dedication and creativity, Bal turned his childhood interest into a successful and award-winning career in engineering. His journey is a celebration of hard work, imagination, and staying true to one’s passion. The film proudly highlights his achievements, including receiving the prestigious King’s Award, showing how a boy with a pencil and a dream became a respected figure in his field.

 

 

 

Mitti
A heartwarming story about Jasleen and her family as they journey back to their ancestral village in Pakistan. Through old memories, emotional reunions, and heartfelt conversations, the film captures their experience of reconnecting with their roots and the land their forefathers once called home.

 

 

 

 

 

Perfectly Seasoned
When a Sikh restaurant owner’s niece convinces him to host a speed dating night to bring a partner into his life, an unexpected connection stirs up laughter, chaos, and a dash of romance in this heartwarming mockumentary about love, family, and second chances.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water Warriors
Water Warriors is about water pollution in rivers of Punjab and how it’s affecting the entire population of the state. There’s a group of young people who are working to clean the rivers. They have named themselves, ‘water warriors’. This film talks about their work and the actual issue.

 

 

 

 

A Life Story
A Life Story is a short documentary that features Dr. Jogishwar Singh who shares the details of his Sikh life in a predominately non-Sikh community in Switzerland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This session will be screening in Theater 1.
The content, selections, and schedule subject to change without notice.

Join us Saturday afternoon at 2:35PM for Sikhlens’ Saturday Afternoon Shorts Block #2!
2:35 PM – 4:35 PM – AFTERNOON MATINEE 2 – THEATER 1
Ride by Turbanators
Across the vast landscapes of Canada, a unique brotherhood roars to life on two wheels. From coast to coast, Sikh motorcycle clubs unite riders bound not just by their love of the open road, but by their unwavering commitment to serve others. These aren’t your typical biker gangs—they’re charitable warriors on Harleys, their turbans flowing in the wind as they partner with major organizations like Khalsa Aid, the Canadian Cancer Society, and Guru Nanak Food Bank. Every ride tells a story of community engagement; every mile raises funds for those in need.
 
 
 
Harmony of Healing
Harmony of Healing follows the journey of Major General Dr. Lakhvinder Singh Vohra (retired), a renowned oncologist who saved countless lives but couldn’t save those dearest to him. When his wife is diagnosed with cancer, his world shatters, leading to personal breakdown. Yet he finds strength to rebuild and embarks on a new path as a singer. Dr. Vohra’s story illustrates the resilience of the human spirit and its capacity to heal and flourish even in the most challenging trials, inspiring anyone facing their own struggles.
 
 
 
Crafting Legacy
Crafting Legacy tells the inspiring story of Bal Choda, a boy from Southall who discovered a love for drawing at a young age. What began as a simple hobby soon grew into a lifelong passion. Through years of dedication and creativity, Bal turned his childhood interest into a successful and award-winning career in engineering. His journey is a celebration of hard work, imagination, and staying true to one’s passion. The film proudly highlights his achievements, including receiving the prestigious King’s Award, showing how a boy with a pencil and a dream became a respected figure in his field.
 
 
 

Mitti
A heartwarming story about Jasleen and her family as they journey back to their ancestral village in Pakistan. Through old memories, emotional reunions, and heartfelt conversations, the film captures their experience of reconnecting with their roots and the land their forefathers once called home.
 
 
 
 
 
Perfectly Seasoned
When a Sikh restaurant owner’s niece convinces him to host a speed dating night to bring a partner into his life, an unexpected connection stirs up laughter, chaos, and a dash of romance in this heartwarming mockumentary about love, family, and second chances.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Water Warriors
Water Warriors is about water pollution in rivers of Punjab and how it’s affecting the entire population of the state. There’s a group of young people who are working to clean the rivers. They have named themselves, ‘water warriors’. This film talks about their work and the actual issue.
 
 
 
 
A Life Story
A Life Story is a short documentary that features Dr. Jogishwar Singh who shares the details of his Sikh life in a predominately non-Sikh community in Switzerland.
 
 
 
 
 
 
This session will be screening in Theater 1.
The content, selections, and schedule subject to change without notice.

  1. 2:35 pm

SAFF 2025: Saturday Late Afternoon #2 - Theater 2 - 4:00PM-6:00PM

Join us Saturday afternoon at 4PM for Sikhlens’ Saturday Late Afternoon Session #2, presenting the following short films:

Seva and Success—The Vic Sethi Story
Explores the remarkable journey of Vic Sethi, a British entrepreneur whose life reflects resilience, faith, and community spirit. From escaping the 1990 invasion of Kuwait to building a successful business in the UK, Vic shares how family values, belief in oneself, and cultural roots shaped his path. His story highlights overcoming racial bias, finding strength through faith, and his commitment to giving back. Alongside personal reflections, Vic discusses his heritage and support for the Sikhlens project—offering a heartfelt portrait of a man who turned life’s challenges into meaningful impact.


India to Leicester: An Artist’s Journey
India to Leicester: An Artist’s Journey is a captivating portrait of Kamal Koria, the UK’s first Asian Graphic Artist, whose bold and colourful works bridge continents and cultures. From his early beginnings in India to his pioneering career in Britain, this film traces Koria’s personal and artistic journey. Inspired by the vibrant hues and everyday scenes of his childhood village, Koria’s paintings poetically preserve a world now past, celebrating the textures, traditions, and spirit of India as he remembers it. Through commercial success and contemporary creations, his art continues to shape British Asian cultural identity, resonating with audiences across the globe.


Approval Needed
After a day that just can’t get any worse, a lonely traffic warden finds love and an unexpected friend at the supermarket checkout.

Raah-e-Nanak
Raah-e-Nanakis a documentary that follows a journey from Sangrur, Punjab to Kaza in the Spiti Valley, exploring everyday acts of kindness inspired by Sufi and Sikh traditions. The film showcases ordinary individuals whose selfless actions positively impact their communities, highlighting how compassion transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. Through diverse landscapes and stories, it celebrates the enduring influence of Guru Nanak’s teachings on human kindness.


This session will be screening in Theater 2.
The content, selections, and schedule subject to change without notice.

Join us Saturday afternoon at 4PM for Sikhlens’ Saturday Late Afternoon Session #2, presenting the following short films:


Seva and Success—The Vic Sethi Story
Explores the remarkable journey of Vic Sethi, a British entrepreneur whose life reflects resilience, faith, and community spirit. From escaping the 1990 invasion of Kuwait to building a successful business in the UK, Vic shares how family values, belief in oneself, and cultural roots shaped his path. His story highlights overcoming racial bias, finding strength through faith, and his commitment to giving back. Alongside personal reflections, Vic discusses his heritage and support for the Sikhlens project—offering a heartfelt portrait of a man who turned life’s challenges into meaningful impact.


India to Leicester: An Artist’s Journey
India to Leicester: An Artist’s Journey is a captivating portrait of Kamal Koria, the UK’s first Asian Graphic Artist, whose bold and colourful works bridge continents and cultures. From his early beginnings in India to his pioneering career in Britain, this film traces Koria’s personal and artistic journey. Inspired by the vibrant hues and everyday scenes of his childhood village, Koria’s paintings poetically preserve a world now past, celebrating the textures, traditions, and spirit of India as he remembers it. Through commercial success and contemporary creations, his art continues to shape British Asian cultural identity, resonating with audiences across the globe.


Approval Needed
After a day that just can’t get any worse, a lonely traffic warden finds love and an unexpected friend at the supermarket checkout.

Raah-e-Nanak
Raah-e-Nanakis a documentary that follows a journey from Sangrur, Punjab to Kaza in the Spiti Valley, exploring everyday acts of kindness inspired by Sufi and Sikh traditions. The film showcases ordinary individuals whose selfless actions positively impact their communities, highlighting how compassion transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. Through diverse landscapes and stories, it celebrates the enduring influence of Guru Nanak’s teachings on human kindness.


This session will be screening in Theater 2.
The content, selections, and schedule subject to change without notice.

  1. 4:00 pm

SAFF 2025: Saturday Night Double Feature #2 - Akaal: The Unconquered + Crafting Legacy Theater 2 - 7:00PM-10:45PM

Join us Saturday night at 7PM for Sikhlens’ Saturday Night Double Feature #2, featuring Akaal: The Unconquered + Crafting Legacy.


Akaal: The Unconquered
Directed, written and produced by Gippy Grewal, Akaal: The Unconquered stars Gippy Grewal himself as the valiant Sardar Akaal Singh, alongside Nimrat Khaira as Sahej Kaur and Nikitin Dheer as the ruthless Jangi Jahan. Set in the turbulent 1840s Punjab following the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the film traces how Sardar Akaal leads his village’s resistance against the marauding forces of Jangi Jahan and his sister Khatroo, defending his homeland with fierce courage, brotherhood, and honour. Balancing epic battle sequences with sweeping visuals, the film blends action-packed spectacle with the grounded values of valor and sacrifice.


+ Bonus Film: Crafting Legacy
Crafting Legacy tells the inspiring story of Bal Choda, a boy from Southall who discovered a love for drawing at a young age. What began as a simple hobby soon grew into a lifelong passion. Through years of dedication and creativity, Bal turned his childhood interest into a successful and award-winning career in engineering. His journey is a celebration of hard work, imagination, and staying true to one’s passion. The film proudly highlights his achievements, including receiving the prestigious King’s Award, showing how a boy with a pencil and a dream became a respected figure in his field.


This session will be screening in Theater 2.
The content, selections, and schedule subject to change without notice.

Join us Saturday night at 7PM for Sikhlens’ Saturday Night Double Feature #2, featuring Akaal: The Unconquered + Crafting Legacy.


Akaal: The Unconquered
Directed, written and produced by Gippy Grewal, Akaal: The Unconquered stars Gippy Grewal himself as the valiant Sardar Akaal Singh, alongside Nimrat Khaira as Sahej Kaur and Nikitin Dheer as the ruthless Jangi Jahan. Set in the turbulent 1840s Punjab following the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the film traces how Sardar Akaal leads his village’s resistance against the marauding forces of Jangi Jahan and his sister Khatroo, defending his homeland with fierce courage, brotherhood, and honour. Balancing epic battle sequences with sweeping visuals, the film blends action-packed spectacle with the grounded values of valor and sacrifice.


+ Bonus Film: Crafting Legacy
Crafting Legacy tells the inspiring story of Bal Choda, a boy from Southall who discovered a love for drawing at a young age. What began as a simple hobby soon grew into a lifelong passion. Through years of dedication and creativity, Bal turned his childhood interest into a successful and award-winning career in engineering. His journey is a celebration of hard work, imagination, and staying true to one’s passion. The film proudly highlights his achievements, including receiving the prestigious King’s Award, showing how a boy with a pencil and a dream became a respected figure in his field.


This session will be screening in Theater 2.
The content, selections, and schedule subject to change without notice.

  1. 7:00 pm
This session will be screening in Theater 1.
The content, selections, and schedule subject to change without notice.

Join us Saturday night at 7PM for Sikhlens’ Saturday Night Double Feature, featuring Chal Mera Putt 4 + Crafting Legacy.


Chal Mera Putt 4
Directed by Janjot Singh and written by Rakesh Dhawan, Chal Mera Putt 4 continues the beloved Punjabi comedy-drama franchise with stars Amrinder Gill and Simi Chahal returning as Jinder and Savy. Set once again among a group of Punjabi immigrants struggling to make ends meet in the UK, the film follows their daily grind of odd jobs, homesickness, and camaraderie -until they stumble upon a bag containing one million pounds. What begins as a dream-come-true quickly spirals into chaos, sparking a hilarious series of misadventures that blend sharp humor with heartfelt emotion.


+ BONUS FILM: Crafting Legacy
Crafting Legacy tells the inspiring story of Bal Choda, a boy from Southall who discovered a love for drawing at a young age. What began as a simple hobby soon grew into a lifelong passion. Through years of dedication and creativity, Bal turned his childhood interest into a successful and award-winning career in engineering. His journey is a celebration of hard work, imagination, and staying true to one’s passion. The film proudly highlights his achievements, including receiving the prestigious King’s Award, showing how a boy with a pencil and a dream became a respected figure in his field.

This session will be screening in Theater 1.
The content, selections, and schedule subject to change without notice.
  1. 7:00 pm

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