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.

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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!