Sikhlens: Sikh Art and Film Festival (UK Chapter)
Event Details
Join us on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at the Phoenix Cinema & Art Centre for a day filled with creativity, culture, and community. Experience the vibrant world of Sikh arts and film through screenings, exhibitions, and discussions. Connect with fellow art enthusiasts and filmmakers as we celebrate the rich heritage and diversity of Sikh culture. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Sikh arts and cinema. See you there!
Phoenix Cinema & Arts Centre
4 Midland Street
Leicester, LE1 1TG, UK
This is a FREE event, we only require that you “Reserve Your Spot“ .
The event is organized by Sikhlens.
To support our efforts in organizing events of this nature, we kindly request that you consider making a donation at Sikhlens.com/donate
DETAILED SCHEDULE OF FILMS AND ACTIVITIES
Session 1 – 11:00 AM to 12:10 PM: Children’s Programme
| Melodies of Devotion – Experience the soulful renderings from the Falcon School Keertan Club, setting the tone with their harmonious Sikh hymns. |
| Journey of Learning – Catch a glimpse of the forthcoming documentary showcasing Falcon School’s unique educational journey. |
| Community Pillars – Learn about the integral role of Gurdwara Committees in guiding Sikh communities, through a short film by young filmmakers. |
| Interactive Enlightenment – Join Jasbir Mann & Bicky Singh for an insightful Q&A about the Sikhlens Digital Voices initiative, enriching young digital storytellers. |
| The Stone that Hit Maharaja Ranjit Singh – His gracious response to being hit by a stone, exemplifying his wisdom and generosity as a leader. |
| Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Return of The Koh-I-Noor Diamond – His diplomatic retrieval of the Koh-I-Noor diamond from Shah Shuja of Afghanistan in the 19th century. |
| American Sikh – Acclaimed Animation: A look at the Sikh experience in America, exploring how the community maintains its identity while integrating into the American cultural tapestry. |
| Sat Sri Akaal – Explores the profound meaning and correct pronunciation of the common Sikh Greeting, aiming to educate and encourage reflection on its true essence. |
| Story of Piloo – The Baya Weaver-Observing Nature & Technology – This short film encourages observation and appreciation of our surroundings, be it nature or technology. |
Session 2 – 12:35 PM to 3:15 PM: Artistic Journeys: Celebrating Sikh Heritage
| Dreams – The personal aspirations and dreams that fuel the community’s spirit. |
| Lord & Lady Singh – A tribute to significant figures and their impact on the Sikh diaspora in UK. |
| Drawn From Life: The Story of Artist Raj Singh Tattal – A deep dive into the life and inspiration of an autistic Sikh artist. |
| Rabab-Strings of Oneness – The spiritual and unifying sounds of a Sikh musical tradition. |
| Echoes of Pothohar: A Journey Through Punjabi Musical Heritage – Exploring the roots and resonance of Punjabi music in Sikh/Punjabi culture. |
| Rising Above: The Kamal Singh Story Trailer – Film to be premiered at the Sikh Arts and Film Festival November 2024. |
| Bus Driver – A London bus driver’s harrowing attempt to negotiate a terrorist standoff amidst panicked passengers. |
| My Phone My Life – A candid look at people and their phones. |
| The Sikh Soldier – A Sikh soldier fights through The Great War for the British Empire, only to survive and have to face a further hell back in India. |
| Q&A Session – An interactive dialogue with the filmmakers, fostering a deeper connection with the audience. |
Session 3 – 3:30 PM to 5:15 PM: Celebrating Sikh Contributions and Stories
| Namita Jaspal: India’s Top Restorer/Preservationist – A Power point presentation by Harinder Singh on Namitas’s restoration of Guru Hargobind Sahib’s Chola Sahib(52 Tassles) and her other restorations. |
| Connecting the Dots – This may showcase the interconnectedness of Sikh history with contemporary stories, emphasizing the continuity of the Sikh spirit. |
| American Sikh – Acclaimed Animation: A look at the Sikh experience in America, exploring how the community maintains its identity while integrating into the American cultural tapestry. |
| Sikh Formaggio – How the Italian Cheese industry was saved by Punjab Farmers. A unique blend of Sikh tradition with Italian cheese-making, demonstrating innovation while maintaining cultural roots. |
| The Stevia Story – Representation of the innovative spirit of the Sikh community in agriculture or entrepreneurship. The first Stevia processing plant in India. |
| Uprooted – Tells the story of one Sikh family who fled Punjab for France after the attack of 1984. |
| Style by Kaur – A young female Sydney-based fashion designer is the first ever turbaned Sikh fashion blogger. |
| Gurinder Singh Mann : The Sikh Scholar Trailer – Discussion about ongoing projects on Sikh heritage and history, emphasizing the preservation and the dedication to keeping history alive through storytelling and art. |
| Simranjeet Singh: Sikhlens Scholar Program – Oxford Scholar studying effects of wind on aircraft performance. With several patents to his name and ambition to be the first Sikh to win the Noble Prize! Celebrating academic achievements and the pursuit of knowledge in the Sikh youth. |
Session 4 – 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
| Music by Sonu and Sukhi – Celebrated singers bring foot tapping Punjabi Folk, Gazals and Quawalis… Highlighting the rich Punjabi musical tradition. |
| The Vision of Sikhlens: Conversation with Bicky Singh – Bicky Singh discusses the direction and aims of the festival itself, aligning with contemporary efforts to preserve and promote Sikh arts and culture. |
Session 5 – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
| Brexit India 1947 – Exclusive Feature Length Film Brexit India 1947 prior to general release. Feature length film/documentary by Bollywood Producer/Director Sanjivan Lal (Bubble Gum & Is God Dead Fame), Dr. Swaranjit Singh, Producer. A not to be missed film with Boman Irani and top historians like Shashi Tharoor, William Dalrymple and others trace 290 years of British exploitation in India. Q & A with Sanjivan Lal. Sanjivan Lal will be on stage to take Question from the audience |
| Q & A with Sanjivan Lal. |
| Closing remarks by Harinder Singh – Rounds out the festival with a focus on community and gratitude, highlighting the support structures that enable the arts to flourish. |
