The fifth annual edition of Sikhlens: Sikh Arts and Film Festival, 2024 will feature the screening of as many as 17 films from five countries in Tagore Theatre, Sector 18, Chandigarh on Saturday February 24th, 2024. This initiative is a not-for-profit endeavour which has been brought together in India by the Sikhlens Foundation in association with with Pinaka Mediaworks, Rolling Frames Entertainment and is well supported by the Department of Cultural Affairs (UT), and United Sikh Mission.
The films to be screened this year are from various countries, including India, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Pakistan and Peru, which have been chosen by the Sikhlens India festival Directorate from the entries received by Sikhlens through official entries invited through submission process which concluded in 2023.
While addressing a press conference to detail the daylong program at Chandigarh Press Club on Thursday, Bicky Singh & Gurpreet Kaur Singh, Founders of Sikhlens and Ojaswwee Sharma, Festival Director of Sikhlens India and National Award ‘Rajat Kamal’ Winner from the President of India said the event is a platform that has grown over the years to bring inspiring stories about the Sikh Diaspora, history, culture, heritage, and exemplary humanitarian work being done by the community spread across the globe in trying times into the world’s mainstream conversation on race, ethnic harmony, justice, spirituality, and education.
Sikhlens extends educational opportunities, fellowships, scholarships in the field of film-making, preparing the next generation of of storytellers in emerging in mainstream film-making, animation, visual effects, augmented realty, broadcast and new media, and higher education to deserving talent, along with supporting authors, filmmakers, and artists to continue producing such work to keep the stories of culture, diaspora, and heritage alive and focus on a balanced narrative to media across the west and the east globe.
The festival this year will bring forth Filmmakers who have worked on international subjects, Heritage Arifact Exhibitors, Authors, Olympians, emerging Music Artistes, Philanthropists, Religious Scholars, Diplomats who will have interface with audiences on their relevant subjects.
Bicky Singh, Founder of Sikhlens, informed that all the films and exhibitions will be showcased for free to all the visitors. Along with the films to be screened inside the Tagore Theatre main hall, there will be an extensive exhibition that will start from 11 am will run till 7 pm by the finest exhibitors on cultural, historic artefacts, philately, paintings, photography, books to highlight and bringforth the feats which will be another remarkable feature of this edition. The Sikhlens 20204 Calendar features the work of professional artist Japneet Kaur from Canada, who has her roots from Chandigarh.
The performing events will comprise of musical performances with Gurmat Sangeet/Rabaab Music to regale the music lovers. More segments during the day will witness a Theatre Play Performance, Zafarnama readings by school girls, followed by a stellar Gatka performance – The Sikh martial art, and a vibrant Bhangra performance at the end by professionals, along with many young and promising artistes from various institutions joining in with special performances.
Ojaswwee Sharma, India Head & Festival Director, Sikhlens India informed that already four successful festivals in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 respectively had been held. Sikhlens 2024 in Chandigarh will be our 5th annual consecutive Sikhlens: Sikh Arts & Film Festival in India which commenced in 2020. We will be showcasing the diversity in the beautiful culture and heritage of Sikhs from around the world. We look forward to seeing you all on February 24th.
Our programs have grown each year, and we are hoping to connect with and bring forth new and emerging artists from the Diaspora, along with strengthening our relationship with patrons to support film scholarships.
This year there is a great line-up of 17 original films which includes 16 short films, documentaries, musicals & a feature film – 1947: Brexit India
Our focus this year is on the diversity in storytelling by filmmakers from the Sikh Diaspora and empowering women in film-making, storytelling, performing arts and all forms of new media. People of all age groups will find their interest in either film, the unique never-seen-before display, and performances planned for this year.
Entry to the festival is free for all, and the schedule of the day, including screening timings and performances, will be shared through the media, social media, through the official website and partner websites. The journey of Sikhlens in India so far has been very promising. The festival is held every year at the Tagore Theatre, which is attended by thousands of Indian and international visitors.
