The annual 4th Edition of Sikhlens: Sikh Arts and Film Festival, 2023 witnessed the screening of as many as 20 films from 8 countries in Tagore Theatre Chandigarh on 25th February.
Brought by Pinaka Mediaworks, Rolling Frames Entertainment has the support of the Chandigarh Administration, the Department of Cultural Affairs (U.T), the Government of Canada, and the United Sikh Mission.
Garnering Hearts on the Silver Screen
The event witnessed the gracious presence of various diplomats from the Govt of Canada and the UK. Canada-based Author and Curator, Karen Dosanjh shared her experiences in documenting and filming the hidden histories: The Sikh Migration Path to Canada.
There was also a World Premiere of two documentaries, One Beat and Hidden Histories: The Sikh Migration Path to Canada.
The Indian premiere of Okra King, Children of Partition: An Oral History of Pothoharis, Tilla Jogia, Kala Singa and Jitt De Nishaan and Badlaav also took place.
Celebrating Sikh Culture and Heritage
The key highlights of the event included the Trailer launch of Sikhlens Publications Book – “The Legend of 1972 – Like Hockey & Beyond”, the launch of Sikhlens Calendar 2023 – Hidden Histories: Pioneer Sikhs in Canada, and the announcement of the next dates of the festivals in the UK, Canada, USA, and India 2024.
A day-long program from 11 am to 9 pm was packed with screenings related to Sikh heritage and culture, showcasing and creating awareness for Sikh-centric work from around the world with a particular focus on cultural stories related to the Sikh and Punjabi Diaspora across 8 countries and the high-spirited philanthropic work. A Gatka performance by Shaheed Baba Deep Singh ji Gatka Akhara was also a part of the festival.
Giving Back to the Society
Sikhlens, through its ‘Destination ‘S’ and ‘Project S’ programs, provides funding and filming scholarship programs for filmmakers both Sikh and non-Sikh, whose projects aim to bring inspiring stories about Sikh history and heritage into the world’s mainstream conversation on race, ethnic harmony, justice, and spirituality.
Bicky Singh, Founder, Sikhlens stated that Sikhlens 2023 in Chandigarh will be their fourth annual Sikhlens: Sikh Arts & Film Festival in India. “Our programs have expanded since last year, and we are hoping to connect with new and emerging artists from the Diaspora, with more patrons to support film scholarships,” he mentioned.
Ojaswwee Sharma, India Head & Festival Director, Sikhlens India informed, “Our focus this year is on the diversity of the Sikh Diaspora and the inclusion of Community Initiatives. People of all age groups found their interest, in either film, the symposium, the unique never-seen-before display, and performances planned for this year. Each year, we are happy to bring forth new stories of the diaspora and community work, and artists from across India to the global map. The response is just heartwarming!”
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