Bridging Cultures and Promoting Interfaith Dialogue through Films and Art
Saka Sirhind: Martyrdom of Younger Sahibzadey (India) – Pardeep Singh Matharu will be highlight of the festival
Distinguished Guests to include Iqbal singh lalpura , Chairperson Minority commission; Caroline Rowett , British Deputy High Commissioner Chandigarh ; Dharmgurus of All sects
Chandigarh | January 28, 2025
Sikhlens, celebrating 26 years globally, returns to Chandigarh for its 6th consecutive year. The festival will be held on February 15, 2025, at Tagore Theatre. Originating in 2020, Sikhlens now hosts festivals across 16 cities worldwide, including the United States, Canada, and India, revealed Ojaswwee Sharma, Award-winning Director & India Head of the Sikhlens Festival.
Speaking about the festival’s growth, Ojaswwee Sharma added, “Sikhlens is not just a platform for storytelling; it is a movement that bridges cultures and creates meaningful conversations through the universal language of art and cinema. Each year, we aim to push boundaries and present films that inspire, educate, and unite audiences.”
Key Highlights:
1. Curated Programs: Initiatives like Digital Voices, Project S, and Community Voices mentor young filmmakers and artists globally.
2. Audience: Over 2,000 visitors are expected, with more than 101 films screened in India over five years.
3. This Year’s Selection:
• 20 films from 10 countries, including India, USA, Pakistan, Canada, and Turkey.
• Notable titles include Saka Sirhind: Martyrdom of Younger Sahibzadey, a heartfelt animated film highlighting Punjab’s history and the dream project of Sikhlens’ founder’s late father.
Featured Films (Selected List):
• Rising Above: The Kamal Singh Story (UK) – Amit Kaur
• Saka Sirhind: Martyrdom of Younger Sahibzadey (India) – Pardeep Singh Matharu
• The Patka Box (Canada) – Davinder Singh
• Kartarpur Corridor: Connected Histories (Turkey-Pakistan) – Zeynep Gül Ünal
Raah E Nanak
“Raah-e-Nanak: A Journey Through Everyday Sufiyat” explores the timeless teachings of Guru Nanak through ordinary lives, highlighting compassion, selflessness, and humanity. It shows how we can follow Nanak’s path every day, not through grand gestures, but through small acts of kindness that embody his message.
This year, Sikhlens introduces Sikhlens Animations, creating new opportunities for storytellers in the animation domain. The festival continues to inspire interfaith dialogue and cultural unity.
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