Sikhlens: Sikh Arts and Film Festival 2025

Join us for the Red Carpet Opening Night of the 2025 Sikhlens: Sikh Arts & Film Festival! Sumita Batra will host the evening, and welcome this year's audience. Bal Choda will introduce the Sikhlens film Crafting Legacy, which will screen throughout the weekend after Friday night's premiere event.  Also premiering will be Project Pakistan film Mitti and Project S film A Life Story. , after which Sikhlens is proud to present this year's Opening Night Feature film, Maa jaye.

Dress Code: Indian formal Maharaja and Maharani Attire; Western Formal; Dress to impress.

Content, selections, and schedule subject to change without notice.

RED CARPET NIGHT HOST: SUMITA BATRA

Born in England to Sikh parents from Iran, Sumita Batra spent her youth migrating between India, England, and Iran. At 16, her family settled in the United States, working tirelessly to establish stability in their new home. When Batra’s mother opened Ziba Beauty in 1987, she became the company’s spokesperson, producing events and tradeshows that fueled growth.

Under Batra’s leadership, Ziba Beauty blossomed into chic studios in major California malls, sparking a global henna trend. As a renowned henna artist, she adorned A-List celebrities for magazine shoots and music videos. In 1998, Batra became Ziba’s CEO, partnering to distribute branded kits globally.

A prolific author and entrepreneur, Batra penned “The Art of Mehndi” in 1999 and launched Sumita Cosmetics, expanding to 22 countries before selling to her partners in 2017. Undeterred by COVID-19, Batra recently co-founded The Pro Safety Group, producing a 2021 Virtual Summit on beauty industry safety. She also works with a COVID Consortium providing testing kits worldwide, illustrating her tireless ingenuity.

OPENING NIGHT SHORT FILM SELECTION

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

Crafting Legacy The inspiring story of Bal Chola, 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.

OPENING NIGHT FEATURE FILM

Maa Jaye is a sweeping emotional drama about Amar, an Indian-American doctor who returns to his homeland in 2001. As Amar reconnects with his disabled brother and confronts the ghosts of a divided past, director Navaniat Singh's film explores themes of identity, brotherhood, and the healing power of family across generations.

Starring: Jimmy Shergill / Manav Vij / Yograj Singh

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 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 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 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 2:35PM 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 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.

Siklens’ “Creative Sikhs” session shines a light on the incredible artistic talents within the Sikh community, beyond traditional careers....

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, 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.

Join us Sunday afternoon at 1PM for Sikhlens' Sunday Afternoon Session #2, presenting the following short films:

I Will Meet You Yet Again: Contemporary Sikh Art I Will Meet You Yet Again: Contemporary Sikh Art captures an extraordinary exhibition at UCLA’s Fowler Museum, curated by Sonia Dhami and Syona Puliady. Through paintings, posters, tapestries, and multimedia installations, the exhibition offers a contemporary lens on Sikh culture, history, and identity. The documentary, produced by the Sikhlens Community Voices Program, features curator Sonia Dhami discussing the vision, artists, and challenges of bringing this diverse collection together. More than an art showcase, it highlights how such exhibitions create platforms for cross-cultural dialogue on heritage, resilience, and the evolving Sikh narrative.

Gift of Light Gift of Light follows Dr. Gurpal Bhullar, an orthopedic surgeon, who organizes a free three-day eye camp in a small village in Punjab. Locals are offered check-ups, treatments, and even free surgeries — transforming lives and restoring sight, one patient at a time.

Lifting Together Lifting Together is an intimate short documentary that follows the journey of national record-holding weightlifter Harmanpreet Kaur and her husband-coach Sukhwinderpal Singh Padda, a professor and former athlete. Set in Punjab, India, the film explores their shared dedication to the sport, the gender and societal challenges they face, and the unique strength of their partnership—both on and off the lifting platform. Flying High-Falcons Sikh Primary School Flying High-Falcons Sikh Primary School celebrates the 10-year journey of Falcons Primary School - the first faith school in Leicestershire. It showcases how its dedicated staff, families, and community members work together to inspire student who embody the school motto & “To be the best we can be." Hidden Gems Hidden Gems follows Naranjan Singh Khalsa, a Sikh miner, as he traverses the rugged landscapes of the western United States, particularly Nevada. The documentary explores Naranjan's interactions with local mining families renowned for their turquoise extraction. Through his journey, viewers gain insight into the dedication and craftsmanship required to bring precious gems to market, while also uncovering the rich history and cultural significance of small-scale mining in America. The film advocates for supporting local mining communities and encourages audiences to appreciate the origins of the gemstones they admire.

#kalyug (Age of Darkness)  Raj, a rising actor in Bollywood, faces controversy after a reckless tweet in today’s politically charged climate. His attempt to speak truth to power makes him an industry outlier amid rising censorship. As real-world consequences mount, he encounters a mysterious woman in his dreams who offers him an impossible choice. Torn between doing what’s right for the greater good or staying silent for personal gain, Raj must decide. His choice will impact not just his life, but countless others for generations to come.

Amritsar Junction Amritsar Junction is a film based on a Sikh family’s experiences during the Partition of India in 1947.This traumatic episode in the region’s history resulted in the expulsion of Sikhs from the Punjab, their traditional homeland and the center of their religion and culture. With the division of colonial India into the nation-states of India and Pakistan, there was extraordinary violence, torment, and bloodshed, and mass migration of refugees on both sides of the new border. The main character worked for the British-built railway system, which played a pivotal role in the refugee experience during the Partition. As Dusk Falls The promise of a bigger and better life in Canada where his older brother has already settled has long inundated the dreams of Navraj, a young Punjabi man in Chandigarh. But when his long-awaited visa finally gets approved, he realizes the cost of leaving home may be far greater than he ever anticipated. More than leaving behind his friends, he cannot bear to break the news to his beloved grandmother who adoringly depends on him. Randhawa Foundation Meet the noble Randhawa family, founders of the Randhawa Foundation, a US-registered NGO. This film shines a light on their incredible work — from organizing free medical camps for the underprivileged to running a school that educates and empowers children in their native village in India.

Pursuit of Happiness According to Guru Tegh Bahadur Jessi Kaur provides a reflection on Guru Tegh Bahadur’s legacy.

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

Join us Sunday afternoon at 1PM for Sikhlens' Sunday Afternoon Session #1, presenting the following short films:

Patterns & Contrasts: Hong Kong We’re journeying to one of the most fascinating spaces and people on our planet. We're grappling with the questions the entire world is asking: Who are you? What feeds your soul? How do you adapt?

Nanak Chinta Mat Karo A man loses his job when his corrupt boss takes a bribe to replace him. Despite rejections, he never loses hope, following Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teaching: "Do not worry; the One is taking care of everything." He eventually finds new work and gets promoted. Two years later, he discovers his former boss critically ill and broke in a hospital. Choosing compassion over revenge, he pays for the boss's surgery, proving the core message: keep acting with a kind heart, and the Lord will take care of everything. Vadda Din On Christmas Eve, Emmanuel rushes to collect a cake, only to realize she mistakenly wrote the wrong delivery date. At the bakery, she meets Balpartap, a young Sikh baker who tries to help her fix the situation. What begins as a simple exchange slowly unfolds into a heartfelt conversation about faith, culture, and shared human experiences. Just as their dialogue bridges differences, they encounter something unexplainable, reminding us to leave room for wonder and magic in the everyday.

10 Minutes At a quiet train station, a father considering boarding school for his children meets an elderly woman abandoned by her son. In just ten minutes, her story of loss, resilience, and unconditional love completely changes his perspective on family. A powerful reflection on how brief encounters can transform lives, directed by multi-international award-winning filmmaker Harjot Singh. Badlaav Republic Women leaders inculcate the pursuit of knowledge and growth to kids and men in a local community in India. Becoming Mari Ji Take a six-minute poetic journey with Mariella, an Italian American woman whose evolving connection to the Sikh and Panjabi heritage and culture inspired this artistic, heartfelt, and original story. For the Sikh and Panjabi community, celebrate, resonate and connect onscreen with some of your traditions and religious principles. For others, follow the rhyme and expand your knowledge. 1 Minute 1 Minute is based on the true story of the Khanna Rail Disaster of November 26, 1998 - one of India's deadliest train accidents. At 3:13 AM near Khanna, Punjab, the Calcutta-bound Sealdah Express collided with derailed coaches of the Amritsar-bound Frontier Mail, killing 209 passengers and injuring 140 others. The film follows two passengers at Khanna Railway Station: Jarnail Singh, who missed boarding the Frontier Mail by just one minute, and Om Prakash, who came to receive family members traveling on the Sealdah Express. Tragically, there was only one minute between the Frontier Mail's derailment and the fatal collision.

Jalebi! A short rideshare trip ends up steering a young passenger's outlook on life into a new direction.

She/Her A short film about female empowerment and being comfortable in your own skin. Ghuman Gheri (Whirpool) In today’s hyperconnected world, the rise of social media, consumerism, and endless distractions has reshaped how people live and think. Ghuman Gheri takes a deep look at the Desi diaspora in the West—exploring how the pursuit of status, illusionary success, and digital validation has distanced communities from their cultural and moral foundations.

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

Join us Sunday afternoon at 4:15PM for Sikhlens’ Sunday Feature Film #2: Sardaar Ji 3!

Directed by Amar Hundal, Sardaar Ji 3 stars Diljit Dosanjh as Jaggi, the legendary ghost-hunter, alongside Neeru Bajwa, Hania Aamir, and Gulshan Grover. When Jaggi and his spectral sidekick Pinky are summoned to a haunted castle in the United Kingdom to tackle a seemingly-unstoppable spirit, they uncover a dark secret that challenges all of Jaggi’s skills and beliefs as he faces his most difficult case.

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

Join us Sunday afternoon at 4:30PM for Sikhlens’ Sunday Feature Film #1: Mittran Challeya Truck Ni!

Mittran Challeya Truck Ni Directed by Rakesh Dhawan, Mittran Da Challeya Truck Ni follows the life of Satta (played by Amrinder Gill), a dedicated Punjabi truck driver who cherishes simplicity. Seeking a grounded partner to help steady his busy world, he meets Jindi, who by contrast is ambitious, independent and drawn to a luxurious lifestyle, creating a lively clash of values. What starts as a classic mismatch of dreams and desires blossoms into an unconventional romance, all set against the rugged, often humorous backdrop of Satta’s trucking life, and the pull between tradition and modernity.