Siklens’ “Creative Sikhs” session shines a light on the incredible artistic talents within the Sikh community, beyond traditional careers. Filmmakers like Gurdeep Dhaliwal, Hansjeet Duggal,  Davinder Singh, Harjus Singh, Jasleen Pannu, Chef Chawla, Bal Choda, Harleen Singh, Harbinder Singh, Rhyley Pruitt, Sarah Kirby, and Kabir Sethi will share their filmmaking experiences in panel discussions. Author Sandip Sodhi will discuss her writing; Jasmeet Kaur her artwork, and Simran Sammi and Gurpreet Phokela their music. This session will be led by moderator Nikki Gill.

FILMMAKERS

GURDEEP SINGH DHALIWAL
Gurdeep Singh Dhaliwal discovered his passion for writing early on, starting a little magazine in his village of Sukhpura Maur that collected writings by local schoolchildren. Although he began studying engineering, he soon ditched this path to pursue English literature and creative writing in London. During his student years, Dhaliwal frequently visited art galleries and museums across Europe, immersing himself in the arts. After finishing his studies, unlike many of his Punjabi peers, he returned to Punjab to tell the stories of his generation’s aspirations.

Although trained in the written word, Dhaliwal chose the camera as his primary tool to convey visual stories of alienated college-going youth. Capturing their musical tastes, fashion styles, and postered walls full of boredom, his work explores the minutiae of youth culture. Always drawn to the human element, Dhaliwal’s image-making centralizes the human face, even when capturing empty spaces through evocative objects like clothes, sheets, and wires.

From an early calling to give voice to children’s writings to his photographic chronicling of Punjabi youth, Gurdeep Singh Dhaliwal’s work remains committed to illuminating the lives and longings of the human spirit. His own diverse artistic journey informs his singular perspectives on both Indian and European culture. Dhaliwal continues using his lens to unveil the poetry in the everyday.

Hansjeet Duggal is an award-winning VFX supervisor, and immersive media innovator based in Hollywood. A longtime creative collaborator of Ben Affleck, Duggal has brought his visual storytelling expertise to several of Affleck’s films, including The Accountant 2, Unstoppable, The Instigators, Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Greatest Love Story Never Told, Small Things Like These, and Air.

Beyond feature films, he has helped shape the visual identity of major Super Bowl campaigns for Dunkin’ Donuts over the past three years, blending cinematic craft with cultural impact.

Earlier in his career, Duggal made his mark in immersive media — his VR animated short Freiheit was selected by the prestigious Annecy International Animation Festival in France. A graduate of the American Cinema Editors Diversity Program, he continues to bridge storytelling and innovation through his work in VFX, animation, and editing.

Duggal has also edited and directed acclaimed documentaries and films for PBS, including Jutti Kasoori, The Cheez That Binds, Shades of Indigo, and Sacred Threads of Lima. Passionate about empowering the next generation of creators, he teaches filmmaking through the Sikhlens Digital Voices Program.

With a career spanning live action, animation, and immersive storytelling, Hansjeet Duggal continues to redefine how stories are seen and felt on screen.

Harbinder Singh
Harbinder Singh is a Sikh model, actor, and filmmaker based in New York. With an extensive background in fashion and film, he has appeared in international campaigns, billboards, and on-screen projects that celebrate diversity and culture. As a co-writer of the Bollywood feature Love in Vietnam, Harbinder continues to expand his creative reach into global storytelling. Through his production company, Kahani Road Productions, he develops original films like Perfectly Seasoned and Manpreet, blending humor, heart, and representation to spotlight authentic South Asian experiences.

Davinder Singh
Davinder Singh is an acclaimed Indo-Canadian director, actor, and producer known for impactful projects like Waleed, What’s Your Identity, and Beneath the Makeup. Waleed earned honors as the 3rd Best North Indian Film. Singh’s recent productions include Apna Farz; Basera; Patka Box; Bold Helmets; Khalsa Centre – Simran, Seva, Sangat; Deportations 700; and Benaqab Chehre on Chaupal TV. With several compelling films in the pipeline for 2024, Singh continues to garner attention for his directorial skills.

Harjus Singh Sethi
Harjus Singh Sethi is a director/screenwriter who explored his Sikh heritage in his poignant Chapman MFA thesis film, All Quiet on the Homefront. Starring Waris Ahluwalia, it tells the true story of Bhagat Singh Thind and has screened at Oscar-qualifying festivals including LA Shorts.

Born in Cincinnati and raised in Ohio, Harjus’ films focus on identity and power dynamics. He continues writing and directing projects that deliver impactful narratives. Harjus currently has a feature script in the final round of Sundance Labs. He has industry experience at companies like EuropaCorp and CBS, demonstrating his dedication to the craft.

Rhyley Pruitt
Rhyley Pruitt is a documentarian and video editor passionate about uncovering real stories and amplifying lived experiences. Currently pursuing a BFA in Documentary Film from Chapman University, Rhyley hopes to contribute an innovative approach to the field, bringing audiences closer to the heart of nonfiction storytelling.

Sarah Kirby
Sarah Kirby is a documentary filmmaker pursuing a BFA at Chapman University. She tells character-driven stories, focusing on cinematography that captures authentic human experiences.

Harleen Singh
Harleen Singh is an award-winning documentary filmmaker with a passion for telling powerful, human-centered stories that inspire audiences to look beyond their limitations and pursue their highest potential. Known for her ability to explore complex themes with empathy and depth, Harleen uses film as a medium to spark dialogue, challenge perceptions, and ignite change.

Harmony of Healing marks Harleen’s fourth documentary. Her previous films have earned numerous accolades at international film festivals and have been celebrated for their thought-provoking narratives and social impact. Her acclaimed film Drawn Together: Comics, Diversity and Stereotypes was featured on PBS and showcased at over 65 film festivals worldwide, winning nine major awards.

Kabir Singh Sethi
Kabir Singh Sethi is an inquisitive and creative 13 year old boy, who is a true out of the box thinker. Born and raised in Northern California as a Sikh American, Kabir has had a passion for legos from the age of 4. This passion evolved into making Stop-Motion Animation videos, beginning at the age of 9, and now mounting to over 175 short videos on his YouTube channel, Kabir The Legomaster. When he’s not working on stop motion, Kabir also enjoys tabla, playing the dhol, practicing his card tricks and basketball.

WRITER

Sandip Sodhi
Sandip Sodhi is a Canadian, British born Sikh woman whose parents immigrated from Punjab, India. She is both a children’s book author and an elementary school teacher in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, where she has been educating children ages 5-13 for more than 30 years. Currently serving as a Teacher-Librarian, Sodhi is deeply passionate about cultural representation and diversity in children’s literature. Drawing from her own childhood in 1970s East Vancouver, where such representation was lacking, she believes children need to see themselves reflected in the books they read and has made a conscious commitment to writing books that celebrate inclusivity and diversity.

As an author, Sodhi has written five picture books that carry strong messages about unity, diversity, and positivity. Her bibliography includes “Ms. Chievus in the Classroom” (2020), “Talk to Me, What Do You See? Beauty and Joy from A – Z” (2021), and “Moments in Time – Memories of East Vancouver” (2023), while her latest publications “Proud to be a Kaur” and “Proud to be a Singh” were released in 2025 through Sikhlens Publishing with illustrations by Pardeep Singh. Her literary contributions have been recognized with The Drishti Award for Innovation and Excellence in the Arts in 2021 and The Sikh Heritage BC Community Changemakers Award in 2022.

Beyond her writing, Sodhi has created educational Sikh dolls that serve as both learning tools and toys, featuring long hair that allows children to practice braiding or tying it into a joodha (bun) and securing it with a patka (head covering). This initiative reflects her broader belief that children should have access to toys and materials that authentically represent their cultures. More information about her work can be found on Instagram @niraalicreations and on her website at www.niraalicreations.com.

MUSICIANS

Gurpreet Kaur Phokela
Gurpreet Kaur Phokela is a multidisciplinary individual with a diverse background in science and the arts. She holds academic degrees in Education, Physics, Hindustani Classical Music (Sitar, Vocal), Tabla, and Industrial Relations and Personnel Management.

Gurpreet has extensive experience spanning 15 years of teaching high school Physics, Music, and Drama in India. She is an instructor of Laughter Yoga, Classical Music, Kirtan, which she taught for 19 years at SCOC, and Indian dances which she taught for the India Medical Association of Southern California. Committed to community service, she has been involved in medical camps. A Rangoli artist, Gurpreet loves playing various instruments and is an avid learner of Gurbani.

Simran Kaur
Simran Kaur is a versatile singer, music teacher, and performer who has released multiple songs with major labels like Zee Music, Tseries, Speed Records, Sammi Music, and performed internationally, from India to Times Square on Turbans day.

Her song Glamour was featured on Bigg Boss in India, and she was honored by the Governor of Maharashtra for her achievements. She was also crowned Mrs. India Global USA 2023–2024 First Runner-Up.

Sammi holds a bachelor degree in Indian Classical Music and Computer Science degree from Ohio State University and has over a decade of experience in IT, currently working with the US Navy, while continuing her journey as an artist with Sammi Music. She continues to inspire audiences worldwide, follow her on YouTube and social media, or DM for bookings.

ARTIST

Jasmeet Kaur is a mixed media artist who draws inspiration from her travels and encounters with people from diverse backgrounds. With a background in Textile Design and Development, she has exhibited her work in various cities throughout the United States and the United Kingdom.

Kaur strives to continuously experiment with new concepts and thoughts, embracing challenges that present positivity and unique narratives. When she’s not painting, she works on interior design projects and indulges her passion for traveling, experiences that continually inform and enrich her artistic practice.

Her work can be viewed at www.baaniart.com and on Instagram @baaniart, where she invites others to join her in exploring a colorful and stimulating art world.

FEATURED INDIVIDUALS

Bal Choda
Bal Choda is a lead engineer and inventor at Aston Martin. His team at Aston Martin won The King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation. Bal received a matchbox Aston Martin DBS from his grandfather at age 7, sparking a lifelong passion. His journey is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose, deeply rooted in Sikh principles.

Bal has spent over two decades inspiring young people towards their future careers through voluntary work. Bal’s story embodies hard work, resilience, and a “never give up” attitude. As a proud Sikh, Bal’s journey reflects core principles of Sikhism. His innovative work at Aston Martin has led to significant recognition, including meeting HM The King for the King’s Award. Bal Choda’s story is one of turning childhood dreams into reality, inspiring others through his achievements and voluntary efforts.

Dr. Jasleen Kaur Pannu
Dr. Jasleen Kaur Pannu is an interventional pulmonologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at The Ohio State University, where she serves as Medical Director of the Lung Cancer Early Detection Program. She pioneered the integration of AI technology for early lung cancer detection and leads a multidisciplinary clinic that has diagnosed over 100 early-stage lung cancers, transforming outcomes for patients across Ohio. Her excellence in education has earned her recognition as a Distinguished CHEST Educator for two consecutive years, and she actively mentors trainees at all levels.

As President of Women in Interventional Pulmonology (WIIP), Dr. Pannu advances national mentorship and leadership development for women in the field. Her innovative contributions to patient care have been recognized with multiple awards, including the OSUP Patient Care Innovation Award. Beyond her medical work, she is a storyteller and traveler who explores themes of resilience and cultural identity, with a deep commitment to building equitable and compassionate healthcare systems.

Chef Inderpal Singh Chawla
Chef Inderpal Singh Chawla is a respected Executive Chef and global hospitality professional with over 15 years of experience, currently leading the culinary program at Market District in Dublin, Ohio. Born to Indian immigrant parents and trained under Master Chefs in both Washington, DC and Italy, his approach blends classical techniques with rich cultural heritage. His impressive career spans leadership roles at prestigious establishments including The Ritz-Carlton, Marriott International, and elite private aviation and nautical sectors.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chef Inderpal is dedicated to culinary education and community service. As a proud Sikh and member of Sikhs in Hospitality, he mentors aspiring chefs and volunteers with Food Jonezi, leading nutrition education programs for underserved communities. His mission transcends cooking—he views culinary arts as instruments of change and bridges between cultures, serving with integrity and using food as a force for healing and human connection.

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

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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!