SAFF 2025: Saturday Children’s Session – Theater 2 – 2:30PM-3:50PM
The Frida Cinema's seating is first-come, first-serve. For our Midnight Screenings, please plan on arriving by 11:30pm to ensure ample time for parking, picking up concessions, and securing optimal seats. Screening will begin promptly at midnight.
Run Time: 80 min.
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.
ABOUT SIKHLENS ARTS AND FILM FESTIVAL
CALLING ALL ART LOVERS, FILM ENTHUSIASTS, AND CHAMPIONS OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY!
This November 21st–23rd, the much-anticipated Sikhlens: Sikh Arts and Film Festival is set to dazzle and unite communities at The Frida Cinema. Prepare to embark on a journey celebrating Sikh heritage and culture through the world of film and art!
Sikhlens is excited to announce their annual film festival highlighting Sikh arts, books, and cinema across three days at The Frida Cinema. Kicking off with a glamorous Red Carpet Night, the celebration continues throughout the weekend with back-to-back screenings from morning to night. A returning favorite is the “Creative Sikhs” session, where prominent Sikh creatives in film and literature share their journeys in an engaging Q&A.
Interspersed across both days are short films from talented filmmakers worldwide. Each evening concludes with a major Sikh feature film, including Chal Mera Putt 4, Akaal: The Unconquered, Sardaar Ji 3, and Mittran Da Challeya Truck Ni. Join us as we celebrate the vibrant tapestry of Sikh cinema and storytelling at this not-to-be-missed annual event.
Why Attend?
- Diverse Narratives: Experience compelling stories that touch hearts and open minds, showcasing films cultivated through Sikhlens programs.
- Cultural Immersion: Engage in a dynamic cultural exchange and deepen your appreciation for the richness of Sikh heritage.
- Networking: Connect with artists, filmmakers, and fellow Sikhlens supporters.
Let’s Celebrate Together!
Sikhlens warmly invite the Sikh community, as well as friends from all backgrounds, to join this celebration of art, film, and unity. Bring your friends and be part of this inspiring cultural experience. Let’s come together to celebrate creativity and connection through film and art!