SAFF 2024 :: SATURDAY MATINEES
Event Details
On Saturday, November 23rd, we will host programs in two theaters at The Frida Cinema, starting at 1:00 PM. All matinee sessions listed below are free of charge. You can get your tickets at your local Southern California gurdwara, or at the theater on the day of the event.
The Frida Cinema
305 E 4th St #100
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (714) 285-9422
The content, selections, and schedule subject to change without notice.
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM – AFTERNOON MATINEE 1 – THEATER 1
BOLD HELMETS
Bold Helmets showcases Tina Singh’s innovative multisport helmet design, addressing the needs of children with Jooda (long hair) and providing a comfortable, safe solution for active kids.
THE PATKA BOX
The Patka Box is a short documentary that delves into how an educational tool promoting the cultural significance of the Sikh Patka can cultivate understanding and inclusivity in schools.
SPARKS OF CHANGE
Sparks of Change follows Prakash Singh, a Pakistani activist who nurtures young Sikh minds through education and cultural advocacy. The film showcases how his efforts are reviving Khalsa traditions and empowering Pakistan’s Sikh youth to make their mark on the world.
BAAZ
This film is based on an arrogant man who does not respect others.
BUS DRIVER
The normal journey of a London bus driver transforms into a living nightmare as he finds himself in the middle of a terrorist stand-off between his panic-consumed passengers. Lives hang in the balance as he desperately tries to negotiate his way out of the quagmire.
DEEP CUTS: STORIES OF KES
This short documentary explores the personal journeys of three diasporic Sikhs and their relationship with Kes (hair). It delves into the judgments faced whether they keep or cut their hair, addressing beauty standards, spirituality, and community expectations, while encouraging open dialogue on this divisive topic.
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM – PDV SESSION – THEATER 2
Panthic Digital Voice (PDV), a partnership between the Sri Hemkunt Foundation and Sikhlens, empowers Sikh youth by equipping them with essential filmmaking skills. Sehaj Kaur Chawla and Amrit Singh Chawla, alumni of the PDV program, will serve as the hosts for the display of PDV films crafted by talented community children. The Sikhlens Panthic Digital Voices Program (PDV) traces its origins back to film school scholarships and has grown exponentially since its inception in 2015. Over 1,000 children, ranging in age from six to eighteen, have been trained in the art of filmmaking. This unique venture has brought to life more than 125 short films. A Q&A session will follow the screenings.
This session will be screening in Theater 2.
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM – CHILDREN’S’ SESSION – THEATER 2
Theater 2 opens at 2:30 for the Children’s session. Children and their parents can enjoy a program of dance and animated films. A copy of the children’s book The Enchanted Garden of Talwandi will be provided by the author Jessi Kaur to all the children in attendance. (one per family, please). Snacks will also be provided to the children.
BHANGRA DANCE WORKSHOP BY SAHEJ KAUR CHAWLA
A Bhangra dance session for children will be led by Sahej Kaur Chawla, a pharmacy student at UCI and UCLA alum. Sahej will be teaching the lively folk-dance Bhangra, which originates from Punjab, India. Having practiced Bhangra since childhood and performed with UCLA’s Bruin Bhangra team, Sahej is excited to share her passion with the next generation. She has also been a graduate advisor for UCI’s Rang De Irvine Bhangra team. In this beginner-friendly workshop, children will learn the vibrant steps of Bhangra.
AMERICAN SIKH
Eight years after the Project S film Red, White and Beard Chapman film graduate Ryan Westra collaborates with the subject of the film Vishavjit Singh in the making of an animated film American Sikh is the true and unlikely story of an American born, turban-wearing Sikh man, Vishavjit Singh, who after a lifetime of facing prejudice, self-doubt and violence, finally finds acceptance in a superhero costume.
MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH AND RETURN OF THE KOH-I-NOOR DIAMOND (ANIMATED)
The Koh-I-Noor, once the largest diamond in the world, has a storied 5,000-year journey intertwined with the fates of empires. Mined in ancient India, the legendary gem was looted by Iranian-Afghani ruler Nadir Shah in the 14th century, passing to Afghan royalty. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, ruler of the wealthy Sikh Empire, ingeniously retrieved the diamond for India by rescuing Afghan prince Shah Shuja under the promise of the stone. But Shuja deceitfully claimed Koh-I-Noor lost. Through clever diplomacy and spies, Ranjit Singh ultimately succeeded in reclaiming India’s crown jewel in the 19th century. Yet this was not the end of Koh-I-Noor’s epic travels, as it later passed to the British during colonial rule. Today, the mythic diamond remains a prize possession of Queen Elizabeth II, a reminder of bygone eras of conquest and cunning on the global stage.
HOLA MOHALLA
This documentary captures the vibrant Sikh festival of Hola Mohalla in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab. Founded over 300 years ago by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the event showcases Sikh martial arts, music, and spirituality. The film immerses viewers in the festival’s energy and cultural significance.
THE STORY OF PILOO
An engaging story of nest building and mate selection by the master weaver bird-The Baya Weaver.
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM – AFTERNOON MATINEE 2 – THEATER 1
KHALSA CENTRE – SIMRAN, SEVA, SANGAT
Khalsa Centre – Simran, Seva, Sangat captures the vibrant Sikh community and transformative experiences of a youth camp at British Columbia’s Khalsa Centre, where exciting outdoor adventures are interwoven with a Sikhlens-led filmmaking class.
RHYMES WITH HUNGER
At the University of Denver, a remarkable collaboration between Professor Marji Karish and Colorado Sikhs leader Dilpreet Jammu has brought the sacred Sikh tradition of Langar to campus life. Since 2016, their innovative multidisciplinary course “Langar @ DU” has empowered students to lead community meal services while exploring the interfaith and secular significance of this centuries-old practice.
Through hands-on experience in project management, marketing, and event planning, students transform classroom learning into meaningful public service, embodying the spirit of Langar’s tradition of community meals served without distinction of faith, caste, or status.
THE SIKH SCHOLAR
The Sikh Scholar chronicles Gurinder Singh Mann’s transformative 25-year career in Sikh historical studies. The film showcases Mann’s groundbreaking research and innovative approaches, including his use of lectures, exhibitions, and digital technologies. It highlights how his work has revolutionized the field, offering fresh perspectives on Sikh history and culture.
REVIVING ROOTS
This film chronicles Kalyan Singh, Pakistan’s first Sikh professor, as he works to reintroduce Gurmukhi, the sacred Sikh script, into Pakistan’s education system. It explores his family’s post-Partition legacy and Kalyan’s dedication to preserving Sikh culture and language in his homeland, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage.
RISING ABOVE: THE KAMAL SINGH STORY
Rising Above: The Kamal Singh Story: It is an intimate documentary chronicling Sikh ballet star Kamal Singh’s inspiring journey from humble beginnings in India to the world stage, achieving the unimaginable through unwavering passion, dedication, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
PORTRAIT OF A PUNJABI WOMAN
Portrait of a Punjabi Woman intimately follows a day in Gurmeet Kaur’s life, exploring the experiences of a rural Punjabi woman devoted to her household. The film reveals her unfulfilled dreams and abandoned education, while showcasing her resilience as she finds new passions. It paints a nuanced picture of rural women’s lives in Punjab.
KABIR THE LEGOMASTER
Young filmmaker, Kabir Sethi, has made a short movie, which is a complication of several short Lego stop motion movies that he makes. He also has his own YouTube channel.
3:30 PM – 5:40 PM – LATE AFTERNOON 2 – THEATER 2
THE KAURS OF 1984 | A QUINT DOCUMENTARY
What remains 40 years after a violent incident wipes out your family, shakes you up to the core, and alters your life forever? For many, it is trauma, grief and an unbearable pain from the past. But it is also the women who are left behind after all the men in a family are brutally murdered. And 40 years after the 1984 anti-Sikh massacre, these women have a story to tell — not just the terror they witnessed in those three cold days of November 1984, but also it’s aftermath. And in this documentary, The Quint aims at capturing that aftermath. What happened to these women in the 40 years after 1984? We present to you, ‘The Kaurs of 1984’.
This documentary has been inspired by the book, ‘The Kaurs of 1984’, written by Sanam Sutirath Wazir and published by HarperCollins India.
GURU DA KENDER
The documentary showcases the Vidya Kender, an educational institute dedicated to rehabilitating Sikh students across India. It highlights the institute’s approach of combining formal education from 10th grade onwards with vocational training, while maintaining a strong focus on Gurmat Studies, emphasizing holistic development and cultural preservation.
EMPOWERING DREAMS
Empowering Dreams tells the noble story of Sikh human Development Fund a NGO based in Washington which provides scholarships to the underprivileged kids based in rural Punjab.
LANKERSHIM GURUDWARA
This documentary focuses on a specific Gurudwara, exploring its role in the community and the various services it provides to those in need.
POTHIMALA
Pothimala documents the rich history, intricate art, and ongoing preservation efforts of the Pothimala Gurdwara.
RHYMES WITH HUNGER
At the University of Denver, a remarkable collaboration between Professor Marji Karish and Colorado Sikhs leader Dilpreet Jammu has brought the sacred Sikh tradition of Langar to campus life. Since 2016, their innovative multidisciplinary course “Langar @ DU” has empowered students to lead community meal services while exploring the interfaith and secular significance of this centuries-old practice.
Through hands-on experience in project management, marketing, and event planning, students transform classroom learning into meaningful public service, embodying the spirit of Langar’s tradition of community meals served without distinction of faith, caste, or status.
A LEAP OF FAITH
A Leap of Faith offers a profile of a Sikh man living in Kobe, Japan, who works to keep the Sikh faith alive in this small city outside of Kyoto.
SIKHISM IN CHIANG MAI
Sikhism in Chiang Mai profiles a Sikh tailor living in the northern Thailand town of Chiang Mai. He and his family strive to preserve the Sikh faith in Chiang Mai, running a successful business as a tailor while contributing to the robust Sikh community all around them.
BEAT BY BEAT
From Beat By Beat is an intimate journey through resilience, healing, and transformation, following individuals whose lives are forever changed by One Beat’s care. From a mother finally holding her long-awaited child, to the liberation from chronic pain to the joy of first sight, education in rural India, and the rise of an orphan training to be a doctor—this documentary unveils the profound stories that redefine hope and purpose, moving from darkness to light, from struggle to strength, one beat at a time.
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM – CREATIVE SIKHS – THEATER 1
The “Creative Sikhs” session shines a light on the incredible artistic talents within the Sikh community, beyond traditional careers. Filmmakers like Nida Arif, Gurdeep Dhaliwal, Hansjeet Duggal, Dilpreet Jammu, Salman Alam Khan, Gurinder Mann, Sahib Mann, Davinder Singh, Kabir Sethi, Harjus Singh, and Harbaldeep Singh, Aekem Singh, Jaskeerat Singh, Tanish Kapoor (the Baywatana team) will share their filmmaking experiences in dynamic panel discussions. Writers Meeta Kaur and Jessi Kaur will discuss The Kaurs Reimagine Story Project and Jessi’s latest book, Home of the Beloved. This session will be led by moderator Nikki Gill.
Theater 1 starts at 4:30 PM for the Creative Sikhs/Q & A Session featuring the artists listed below:
FILMMAKERS
NIDA ARIF
Nida Arif, an accomplished filmmaker from Pakistan, has built a reputation for her impactful work in documentary and fiction filmmaking over more than a decade. A graduate of the prestigious New York Film Academy in 2020, Nida has collaborated on a range of international projects that delve into vital subjects such as human rights, cultural diversity, health, education, and social acceptance. With a deep passion for uncovering the untold stories of Pakistani culture, Nida believes in amplifying the voices that often go unheard. Her work aims to inspire and create meaningful dialogue around pressing societal issues. Through her lens, Nida envisions a world where open discourse thrives, women are empowered, and children are filled with hope and ambition for the future.
GURDEEP DHALIWAL
Gurdeep Singh Dhaliwal discovered his passion for writing early on, starting a little magazine in his village of Sukhpura Maur that collected writings by local schoolchildren. Although he began studying engineering, he soon ditched this path to pursue English literature and creative writing in London. During his student years, Dhaliwal frequently visited art galleries and museums across Europe, immersing himself in the arts. After finishing his studies, unlike many of his Punjabi peers, he returned to Punjab to tell the stories of his generation’s aspirations.
Although trained in the written word, Dhaliwal chose the camera as his primary tool to convey visual stories of alienated college-going youth. Capturing their musical tastes, fashion styles, and postered walls full of boredom, his work explores the minutiae of youth culture. Always drawn to the human element, Dhaliwal’s image-making centralizes the human face, even when capturing empty spaces through evocative objects like clothes, sheets, and wires.
From an early calling to give voice to children’s writings to his photographic chronicling of Punjabi youth, Gurdeep Singh Dhaliwal’s work remains committed to illuminating the lives and longings of the human spirit. His own diverse artistic journey informs his singular perspectives on both Indian and European culture. Dhaliwal continues using his lens to unveil the poetry in the everyday.
GURINDER MANN
Gurinder Singh Mann is Director of the Sikh Museum Initiative which looks at undertaking Sikh exhibitions, interpreting Sikh Relics and artifacts. He holds an MA in South Asian Religions from De Montfort University (Leicester, UK, 2001). He is author of 4 books entitled: Sri Dasam Granth: Questions and Answers, (Archimedes Press, 2011) and the Oxford University Press published: The Granth of Guru Gobind Singh: Essays, Lectures and Translations 2015, The British and the Sikhs Discovery, Warfare and Friendship c1700-1900 (2020) and The Rise of the Sikh Soldier-The Sikh Warrior through the ages, c1700-1900 (2022).
Gurinder has researched and discovered many Sikh manuscripts and artefacts as well as delivering lectures across the world for over 25 years. He has lectured on different themes of the Sikh faith ranging from heritage issues to theological matters. He has also co-convened 6 International Sikh Research Conferences (ISRC) at the University of Warwick.
He has curated several exhibitions including Anglo Sikh Wars: Battles, Treaties and Relics (2016-12017). Where he appeared on the BBC Celebrity Antiques Roadtrip. As well as curating two Contemporary Sikh Art Exhibitions (2018 & 2024). He is globally renowned for his groundbreaking work on creating the world’s first 3D Sikh museum-Anglo Sikh Virtual Museum. He was pivotal as the project manager of the Sikh Troops War Memorial in Victoria Park, Leicester (2022) where he spent 4 years bringing the project together.
His day job is managing the Heritage Panel Project in Leicester, which brings to life the city’s colorful 2,000-year history by remembering the people, places and events of Leicester’s recent and distant past. It is considered to be the largest outdoor heritage interpretation project in the UK.
HANSJEET DUGGAL
Hansjeet Duggal is an award-winning editor and immersive media trailblazer based in Hollywood. His VR animated short Freiheit was selected by the prestigious Annecy Animation Festival in France. Recently, Duggal was chosen for the American Cinema Editors Diversity Program, connecting him with Oscar-winning mentors.
Duggal has edited Jutti Kasoori which aired on PBS, and The Cheez That Binds. He produced the Sardar Harbail Singhdocumentary, and directed Shades of Indigo, also for PBS. Most recently, he directed The 51 Percent and Sacred Threads of Lima.
As editor of impactful films, Duggal lends his creative talents to tell compelling stories. He also teaches young creators in the Sikhlens Digital Voices program, empowering the next generation. With his unique skills in animation, VR/AR and editing, Duggal drives innovation in Sikh storytelling.
SALMAN ALAM KHAN
Salman Alam Khan is a Sikhlens scholar and freelance Pakistani photographer and filmmaker. A media studies graduate from the University of Punjab, his work has been featured nationally and in global projects with TED and PBS.
Driven to capture cultural and human-interest narratives, Khan’s past Sikhlens films include Going Home, Knitted Beliefs and Allegory-A Tapestry of Guru Nanak’s Travels. This year, he premieres Breaking Barriers: The Manka Dhingra Story, Connecting The Dots, and Resilience of Faith.
Currently attending the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles, Khan continues honing his craftsmanship. His keen eye and passion for sharing impactful stories has led to enlightening films about the Sikh experience spanning Pakistan and the diaspora.
DAVINDER SINGH
Davinder Singh is an acclaimed Indo-Canadian director, actor, and producer known for impactful projects like Waleed, What’s Your Identity, and Beneath the Makeup. Waleed earned honors as the 3rd Best North Indian Film. Singh’s recent productions include Apna Farz; Basera; Patka Box; Bold Helmets; Khalsa Centre – Simran, Seva, Sangat; Deportations 700; and Benaqab Chehre on Chaupal TV. With several compelling films in the pipeline for 2024, Singh continues to garner attention for his directorial skills.
HARJUS SINGH
Harjus Singh Sethi is a director/screenwriter who explored his Sikh heritage in his poignant Chapman MFA thesis film, All Quiet on the Homefront. Starring Waris Ahluwalia, it tells the true story of Bhagat Singh Thind and has screened at Oscar-qualifying festivals including LA Shorts.
Born in Cincinnati and raised in Ohio, Harjus’ films focus on identity and power dynamics. He continues writing and directing projects that deliver impactful narratives. Harjus currently has a feature script in the final round of Sundance Labs. He has industry experience at companies like EuropaCorp and CBS, demonstrating his dedication to the craft.
KABIR SINGH SETHI
Kabir Singh Sethi is an inquisitive and creative 12 year old boy, who is a true out of the box thinker. Born and raised in Northern California as a Sikh American, Kabir has had a passion for legos from the age of 4. This passion evolved into making Stop-Motion Animation videos, beginning at the age of 9, and now mounting to over 175 short videos on his YouTube channel, Kabir The Legomaster. When he’s not working on stop motion, Kabir also enjoys tabla, playing the dhol, practicing his card tricks and basketball.
Team Baywatana Profiles
HARBALDEEP SINGH (Mentor Nishkam TV)
Harbaldeep Singh is an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and founder of Nishkam TV, a platform dedicated to empowering Sikh youth to become storytellers and agents of change. Driven by his passion for storytelling and his deep commitment to Sikh heritage, Harbaldeep launched Nishkam TV to provide Sikh youth with filmmaking and TV production training, enabling them to share Sikh stories, culture, and values with the world.
Through Nishkam TV, Harbaldeep bridges the gap between Sikh youth’s education in Sikh Virsa, Gurmukhi, and Gurmat Sangeet at Khalsa Schools and their ability to use visual media as a powerful storytelling tool. The program not only equips students with technical skills in filmmaking but also fosters essential soft skills such as writing, public speaking, problem-solving, collaboration, creativity, and leadership.
Under Harbaldeep’s guidance, Nishkam TV students have produced an impressive portfolio of award-winning films since 2016, including three internationally recognized documentaries:
Declaration of a Revolution: This documentary on India’s farmers’ movement and the influence of Sikhi has been selected for 21 international film festivals, winning 10 awards for its narration, editing, and Gurmat sangeet.
SEVA: Created with the SALDEF SikhLEAD program, this documentary highlights the Sikh community’s COVID-19 relief efforts and is now available on PBS’s WORLD channel.
Baywatana: Focused on the persecution of Afghan Hindus and Sikhs, this film was made in partnership with the Sikh Coalition and premiered at the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago. It is now being screened across the USA, Canada, the UK, and India.
Nishkam TV’s accomplishments include training over 100 Sikh youth across the USA, producing 14 short films, 3 documentaries, and multiple talk shows. The students have also produced community events, such as the Hemkunt Foundation New Jersey Event, SAVA Film Festival, Oneness Guru Nanak Event in New York, and the Sikhs in Storytelling event.
Through Nishkam TV, Harbaldeep Singh continues to inspire the next generation of Sikh storytellers, helping them harness the power of media to connect, educate, and inspire change.
AEKEM SINGH
Aekem Singh, a 16-year-old junior at Worcester Academy, has been studying filmmaking for eight years and is part of Nishkam TV’s production team, where he serves as a cinematographer and assistant editor. Passionate about the technical side of filmmaking, he’s gained experience with high-end equipment, including Sony FX3 and Blackmagic 6K cameras, DJI gimbals, and drones, which allows him to capture impactful stories.
Aekem’s journey began at age eight with a short film made on basic equipment. Since then, he’s worked on significant projects with professional tools, including Declaration of a Revolution, a documentary on India’s farmers’ protest that received awards at 20 film festivals, and SEVA, a COVID-19 relief documentary acquired by PBS. His latest project, Baywatana, highlights the persecution of Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan and their journeys as refugees.
While filming Baywatana, Aekem traveled to the UK, India, Canada, and New York to interview refugee families. The project taught him the value of teamwork and trust, and he hopes the documentary will raise awareness of the resilience of refugee families.
Outside filmmaking, Aekem enjoys basketball and football, playing on his school’s teams, and values time with friends and serving his community. His experience at Nishkam TV has shown him that storytelling is a powerful way to inform, inspire, and connect with audiences.
JASKEERAT SINGH
Jaskeerat Singh, a 16-year-old high school student from Shrewsbury High School, has a passion for storytelling and filmmaking. A part of Nishkam TV for eight years, he works as a cinematographer and production team member within one of seven diverse teams. Jaskeerat hopes to pursue a career in filmmaking, business, and finance. He is also involved in sports, participating in his school’s indoor track and tennis teams, and enjoys sports photography and videography.
For Baywatana, Jaskeerat operated the camera to capture the emotional stories of Afghan Sikh and Hindu refugees. To him, filmmaking is a means of expression and a tool to amplify others’ voices. His journey with Nishkam TV has shaped his leadership and communication skills, helping him evolve from a shy individual to someone confident and bold. Starting at age 8 with basic camcorders, he now uses professional equipment like Sony FX3 and BlackMagic 6K cameras.
In addition to Baywatana, he starred in Stand Up Angad, a short film about bullying, and has traveled internationally with Nishkam TV, conducting interviews and filming diverse stories. His earlier projects include Declaration of a Revolution, a documentary on India’s farmers’ protest, which won awards at 21 international film festivals, and SEVA, produced in partnership with SALDEF, highlighting Sikh community service during COVID-19, later acquired by PBS’s World One channel.
Nishkam TV has been transformative for Jaskeerat, teaching him that storytelling isn’t just a way to express oneself but a powerful medium to inspire change and empathy in others.
TANISHA KAUR KAPOOR
Tanisha Kaur Kapoor, a senior, is an active member of the production and talent teams for Baywatana. Through her work with Nishkam.tv, she has gained hands-on experience in lighting, camera operation, sound management, and interviewing, all of which have helped her amplify others’ stories and build strong relationships. She values the collaborative spirit of her team and the shared commitment to creating meaningful projects.
Tanisha’s passion for filmmaking began at Film Neev camp, where she and her team created Super Singh and Super Kaur. This experience sparked her love for storytelling, leading her to pursue further opportunities in film. Baywatanahas taught her crucial skills in time management, public speaking, and adaptability, and deepened her empathy, patience, and cultural understanding as she engaged with the stories of resilient Afghan refugees. She feels honored to help share their journey with the world.
Though passionate about filmmaking, Tanisha aspires to a career in medicine. In her personal life, she enjoys spending time with family, listening to music, watching Bhangra and Punjabi cinema, and is a dedicated football fan (especially of the Patriots) with a growing interest in basketball.
Tanisha credits much of her growth to the guidance of Harbaldeep Singh. She looks forward to future projects with Nishkam.tv, knowing each experience will enhance her understanding of storytelling as a means to connect, empathize, and inspire change.
WRITERS
MEETA KAUR
“Building on the success of the first anthology “Her Name is Kaur: Sikh American Women Write About Love, Courage, and Faith,” Meeta Kaur has launched an exciting new storytelling project that embraces Guru Nanak Ji’s vision of an inclusive, equitable world, “Kaurs Reimagine: Sikh Women Blaze New Trails”, published August 2024 available on Amazon in paperback and ebook. This second volume explores how Divine feminine energy shapes personal and collective journeys.
Drawing inspiration from Guru Nanak Ji’s teachings and scholarly works by Dr. Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh, Meeta and her editing team, Vineet Kaur and Abinash Kaur, reimagine personal transformation with Sikh women staying rooted in Sikh values as a north star, an anchor, a precise map towards internal liberations. Whether contributors are dreaming of change, actively creating it, or bridging both realms, Meeta believes every story enriches this collection. Meeta and her team welcomed diverse perspectives across generations, geographies, and gender identities for the story collection. They envisioned these stories creating a rich tapestry of experiences that illuminate paths toward individual and collective liberation, contributing to a shared vision of a more compassionate world inspired by Guru Nanak’s vision of the world.
JESSI KAUR
Jessi Kaur, a TEDX speaker has written three children’s books: Dear Takuya, The Royal Falcon and The Enchanted Garden of Talwandi that are used as diversity education and enrichment literature in several public schools in US, UK and Canada. She produced The Royal Falcon as a musical with a multi-cultural caste. Her essays on Sikhi and current issues have been published in online and print journals. She is a frequent speaker at international conferences including several times at the Parliament of World’s Religions. She has traveled extensively to share the message of Ik Onkar. Her segments on spirituality have featured on several TV shows and award-winning documentaries. She was the Co-Founder of International Institute of Gurmat Studies, founded IGS Now, a non- profit organization, and has been on the board of Kaur Foundation since its early years. She served two terms as the Fine Arts Commissioner for the city of Cupertino in California. She is a Talent Acquisition Consultant to high tech companies. Prior to moving to the US, she taught English Literature at Delhi University. www.jessikaur.com
6:15 PM – 7:15 PM – LIVE PERFORMANCES – THEATER 1
At 6:15 PM there will be a live performance of the original play Jaagde Raho (in Punjabi) by Davinder Singh, Only Kewal, and Mridul Sharma. This will be followed by something beautiful by cousins Aman Batra who performs Spoken Word and Maya Batra who sings.
JAAGDE RAHO
Jaagde Raho explores moral dilemmas during religious riots as elderly Bachhitar Singh shelters a stranger against his son Narinder’s wishes. Set in one night, the play examines generational conflicts, fear, trust, and compassion. It challenges viewers to consider the importance of empathy and difficult choices during societal upheaval.
DAVINDER SINGH
Davinder Singh is an acclaimed Indo-Canadian director, actor, and producer known for impactful projects like Waleed, What’s Your Identity, and Beneath the Makeup. Waleed earned honors as the 3rd Best North Indian Film. Singh’s recent productions include Apna Farz; Basera; Patka Box; Bold Helmets; Khalsa Centre – Simran, Seva, Sangat; Deportations 700; and Benaqab Chehre on Chaupal TV. With several compelling films in the pipeline for 2024, Singh continues to garner attention for his directorial skills.
ONLY KEWAL
Over the past decade, Only Kewal has honed his acting craft across a range of theatrical productions. He finds joy in both comedic and socially conscious roles, appreciating the chance to explore varied emotions and insights into society. Since 2013, Kewal has performed with multiple theatre groups, most recently acting in three Punjabi stage plays in 2023. His repertoire also includes a supporting role in the short film Identity.
MRIDUL SHARMA
Since childhood, Mridul has pursued his passion for acting, formally launching his career in 2018 after graduating from Toronto Film School. With three years of theater experience, he has built a diverse portfolio that includes student short films and Punjabi music videos, as well as background roles in major productions like Dan Brown’s “The Lost Symbol” and “The Mayor of Kingstown.”
Dedicated to his craft, Mridul maintains a rigorous daily practice routine focusing on monologues, voice work, and scene study. He has also expanded his skill set as a member of a stunt team, where he trains in hand-to-hand combat, knife fighting, boxing, and various jumping techniques. Whether big or small, Mridul approaches every opportunity with enthusiasm and commitment, constantly seeking to grow as a performer.
RISHI PURI
Rishi Puri is a playwright whose work celebrates the transformative power of theater to unite communities and inspire change. Through his plays, he masterfully explores themes of social justice, romance, religious conflict, and political issues, viewing the stage as a platform where everyday struggles find their voice and individuals discover their inner strength.His play “Itihaas Gawaah Hai” has been featured at prestigious venues including the Satrang Festival, Punjabi Art of Association, and Sikhlens. Beyond playwriting, Puri is also an accomplished poet who regularly performs his work on stage, embodying his belief in the collaborative spirit of theater and the importance of amplifying community voices.Currently, Puri is collaborating with the Sikhlens team on his latest production, “Jaagde Raho,” as he continues his journey of storytelling through theater.
AMAN BATRA (SPOKEN WORD ARTIST)
Aman K. Batra is a Punjabi-American poet from Artesia, CA. She is a TEDx speaker, a National Poetry Slam finalist, and has toured colleges, universities, and poetry venues across the country. She graduated from UCLA with a BA in Creative Writing and is currently obtaining her MFA in poetry from Antioch University. Aman’s poetry is heavily tied to her commitment as an educator and an activist. Her work has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Huffington Post, All Def Poetry, Button Poetry, Vibe, Bustle, and Fight Evil with Poetry – Anthology. For more, follow her on socials @amankbatra and her website: amankbatra.com.
6:15 PM – 7:15 PM – LATE AFTERNOON 3 – THEATER 2
BUS NO. 7
In Chandigarh, India, two students, Ehsaas and Sanaa, face rejection in their artistic pursuits. They find solace in an unlikely friendship with Raano, their school bus attendant. The confined space of the bus becomes a sanctuary where their bond transcends age and background, offering respite from their personal struggles.