SAFF 2025 :: SATURDAY MATINEES
Event Details
On Saturday, November 22nd, 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
HIDDEN GEMS
Hidden Gems follows Naranjan Singh Khalsa, a Sikh miner, as he traverses the rugged landscapes of the western United States, particularly Nevada. The documentary explores Naranjan’s interactions with local mining families renowned for their turquoise extraction. Through his journey, viewers gain insight into the dedication and craftsmanship required to bring precious gems to market, while also uncovering the rich history and cultural significance of small-scale mining in America. The film advocates for supporting local mining communities and encourages audiences to appreciate the origins of the gemstones they admire.
AMRITA KAUR: A MAGICAL VOICE
From gurdwara halls in Malaysia to festival stages in New Zealand, this short documentary follows vocalist Amrita Kaur’s inspiring musical journey. Through intimate interviews and lyrical footage, it explores the deep bonds of inter-generational mentorship, the commitment to daily riaz (practice), and the nuanced experience of maintaining Punjabi-Sikh identity across three continents. This tender portrait reveals how heritage is not merely preserved but reinvented, showing how faith, family, and song travel together as harmonies cross borders, resonating with hope and cultural continuity.
TO KILL A TIGER
Ranjit, a farmer in India, takes on the fight of his life when he demands justice for his 13-year-old daughter, the victim of a brutal gang rape. His decision to support his daughter is virtually unheard of, and his journey unprecedented.
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 – 3:50 PM – CHILDREN’S’ SESSION – THEATER 2
Theater 2 opens at 2:30 for the Children’s session. Children and their parents can enjoy a book reading and a program of animated films. Snacks will also be provided to the children.
Sandip K. Sodhi will read Proud to be a Kaur.
The films in this session include:
SAKA SIRHIND
A decade in the making, Saka Sirhind is Sikhlens’ first full-length animated feature, produced under our new division, Sikhlens Animations. The film brings to life one of the most significant and poignant events in Sikh history — the martyrdom of the younger Sahibzade, Baba Zorawar Singh Ji (age 9) and Baba Fateh Singh Ji (age 6), the sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. In 1704, in the city of Sirhind, they were bricked alive for refusing to abandon their Sikh faith and convert to Islam, an act of courage and steadfastness that continues to inspire generations.
Conceived by the late Professor Narindra Singh, founder and chairman of Sikhlens India, and realized through the artistry of Animator Pardeep Singh Matharu, the project was revived and completed by the Sikhlens team after Professor Singh’s passing. Saka Sirhind marks the beginning of a new era in animated Sikh storytelling, with more animated and 3D films to follow each year.
COSMIC DRAMA OF LIFE
Ancient teachings collide with contemporary environmental crisis in this powerful animated journey through Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s revolutionary ecological wisdom. Drawing from the sacred Salok of Japji Sahib, the film brings to life the profound truth that “Air is our Guru, Water is our Father, Earth is our Mother”—a divine trinity that humanity has forgotten in its relentless pursuit of progress. Through stunning visuals, witness how these sacred elements once guided civilization before being reduced to mere resources to exploit.
As the story unfolds, we witness the cosmic betrayal of our time: how modern civilization systematically pollutes the very forces that sustain us, exploiting and desecrating what our ancestors revered as sacred. Every act of environmental destruction is recorded in the “Cosmic Cloud”—a spiritual black box that bears witness to humanity’s choices. This haunting animated tale challenges viewers to confront our collective amnesia and rediscover the reverence our planet desperately needs.
SAFAR
Safar is the journey of two friends and their communities who were once inseparable.
SIKH & PUNJABI ANIMATION SHOWCASE
Highlights the recent work in Sikh and Punjabi content — blending 2D and 3D animation to tell powerful stories of history, culture, and values. From Akaalgarh and Maano Billa to educational series like Jeet Singh and Beer Kaur and Lipi.
2:35 PM – 4:35 PM – AFTERNOON MATINEE 2 – THEATER 1
EVERYDAY ACTIVISTS
Follows Manpreet Kaur and Angad Singh, a Sikh couple merging activism and healthcare. This documentary explores how their Sikh values of Seva and compassion drive their work for social justice. Through intimate interviews, we see Manpreet’s advocacy and Angad’s medical practice tackle issues like science skepticism and authoritarianism. Their story shows how cultural identity and personal conviction can fuel the pursuit of a more equitable society.
MITTI
Mitti is a heartwarming story about Jasleen and her family as they journey back to their ancestral village in Pakistan. Through old memories, emotional reunions, and heartfelt conversations, the film captures their experience of reconnecting with their roots and the land their forefathers once called home.
CRAFTING LEGACY
Crafting Legacy tells the inspiring story of Bal Chola, a boy from Southall who discovered a love for drawing at a young age. What began as a simple hobby soon grew into a lifelong passion. Through years of dedication and creativity, Bal turned his childhood interest into a successful and award-winning career in engineering. His journey is a celebration of hard work, imagination, and staying true to one’s passion. The film proudly highlights his achievements, including receiving the prestigious King’s Award, showing how a boy with a pencil and a dream became a respected figure in his field.
WATER WARRIORS
Water Warriors is about water pollution in rivers of Punjab and how it’s affecting the entire population of the state. There’s a group of young people who are working to clean the rivers. They have named themselves, ‘water warriors’. This film talks about their work and the actual issue.
A LIFE STORY
A Life Story is a short documentary that features Dr. Jogishwar Singh who shares the details of his Sikh life in a predominately non-Sikh community in Switzerland.
SIKH MOTORCYCLE CLUB
Across the vast landscapes of Canada, a unique brotherhood roars to life on two wheels. From coast to coast, Sikh motorcycle clubs unite riders bound not just by their love of the open road, but by their unwavering commitment to serve others. These aren’t your typical biker gangs—they’re charitable warriors on Harleys, their turbans flowing in the wind as they partner with major organizations like Khalsa Aid, the Canadian Cancer Society, and Guru Nanak Food Bank. Every ride tells a story of community engagement; every mile raises funds for those in need.
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM – LATE AFTERNOON 2 – THEATER 2
VIC SETHI (Trailer)
Explores the remarkable journey of Vic Sethi, a British entrepreneur whose life reflects resilience, faith, and community spirit. From escaping the 1990 invasion of Kuwait to building a successful business in the UK, Vic shares how family values, belief in oneself, and cultural roots shaped his path. His story highlights overcoming racial bias, finding strength through faith, and his commitment to giving back. Alongside personal reflections, Vic discusses his heritage and support for the Sikhlens project—offering a heartfelt portrait of a man who turned life’s challenges into meaningful impact.
INDIA TO LEICESTER: AN ARTIST’S JOURNEY
India to Leicester: An Artist’s Journey is a captivating portrait of Kamal Koria, the UK’s first Asian Graphic Artist, whose bold and colourful works bridge continents and cultures. From his early beginnings in India to his pioneering career in Britain, this film traces Koria’s personal and artistic journey. Inspired by the vibrant hues and everyday scenes of his childhood village, Koria’s paintings poetically preserve a world now past, celebrating the textures, traditions, and spirit of India as he remembers it. Through commercial success and contemporary creations, his art continues to shape British Asian cultural identity, resonating with audiences across the globe.
APPROVAL NEEDED
After a day that just can’t get any worse, a lonely traffic warden finds love and an unexpected friend at the supermarket checkout.
RAAH-E-NANAK
Raah-e-Nanak is a documentary that follows a journey from Sangrur, Punjab to Kaza in the Spiti Valley, exploring everyday acts of kindness inspired by Sufi and Sikh traditions. The film showcases ordinary individuals whose selfless actions positively impact their communities, highlighting how compassion transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. Through diverse landscapes and stories, it celebrates the enduring influence of Guru Nanak’s teachings on human kindness.
4:30 PM – 6:00 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 Gurdeep Dhaliwal, Hansjeet Duggal, Davinder Singh, Harjus Singh, Jasleen Pannu, Chef Chawla, Nisha Pahuja, Rhyley Pruitt, Sarah Kirby, and Kabir Sethi will share their filmmaking experiences in panel discussions. Authors Sandip Sodhi will discuss her writing; Jasmeet Kaur her artwork, and Simran Sammi and Gurpreet Phokela their music. This session will be led by moderator Nikki Gill.
Theater 1 starts at 4:40 PM for the Creative Sikhs/Q & A Session featuring the artists listed below:
FILMMAKERS
GURDEEP SINGH 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.
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.
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 SETHI
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 13 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.
RHYLEY PRUITT
Rhyley Pruitt is a documentarian and video editor passionate about uncovering real stories and amplifying lived experiences. Currently pursuing a BFA in Documentary Film from Chapman University, Rhyley hopes to contribute an innovative approach to the field, bringing audiences closer to the heart of nonfiction storytelling.
SARAH KIRBY
Sarah Kirby is a documentary filmmaker pursuing a BFA at Chapman University. She tells character-driven stories, focusing on cinematography that captures authentic human experiences.
DR. JASLEEN KAUR PANNU
Dr. Jasleen Kaur Pannu is an interventional pulmonologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at The Ohio State University, where she serves as Medical Director of the Lung Cancer Early Detection Program. She pioneered the integration of AI technology for early lung cancer detection and leads a multidisciplinary clinic that has diagnosed over 100 early-stage lung cancers, transforming outcomes for patients across Ohio. Her excellence in education has earned her recognition as a Distinguished CHEST Educator for two consecutive years, and she actively mentors trainees at all levels.
As President of Women in Interventional Pulmonology (WIIP), Dr. Pannu advances national mentorship and leadership development for women in the field. Her innovative contributions to patient care have been recognized with multiple awards, including the OSUP Patient Care Innovation Award. Beyond her medical work, she is a storyteller and traveler who explores themes of resilience and cultural identity, with a deep commitment to building equitable and compassionate healthcare systems.
CHEF INDERPAL SINGH CHAWLA
Chef Inderpal Singh Chawla is a respected Executive Chef and global hospitality professional with over 15 years of experience, currently leading the culinary program at Market District in Dublin, Ohio. Born to Indian immigrant parents and trained under Master Chefs in both Washington, DC and Italy, his approach blends classical techniques with rich cultural heritage. His impressive career spans leadership roles at prestigious establishments including The Ritz-Carlton, Marriott International, and elite private aviation and nautical sectors.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chef Inderpal is dedicated to culinary education and community service. As a proud Sikh and member of Sikhs in Hospitality, he mentors aspiring chefs and volunteers with Food Jonezi, leading nutrition education programs for underserved communities. His mission transcends cooking—he views culinary arts as instruments of change and bridges between cultures, serving with integrity and using food as a force for healing and human connection.
WRITERS
SANDIP SODHI
Sandip Sodhi is a Canadian, British born Sikh woman whose parents immigrated from Punjab, India. She is both a children’s book author and an elementary school teacher in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, where she has been educating children ages 5-13 for more than 30 years. Currently serving as a Teacher-Librarian, Sodhi is deeply passionate about cultural representation and diversity in children’s literature. Drawing from her own childhood in 1970s East Vancouver, where such representation was lacking, she believes children need to see themselves reflected in the books they read and has made a conscious commitment to writing books that celebrate inclusivity and diversity.
As an author, Sodhi has written five picture books that carry strong messages about unity, diversity, and positivity. Her bibliography includes “Ms. Chievus in the Classroom” (2020), “Talk to Me, What Do You See? Beauty and Joy from A – Z” (2021), and “Moments in Time – Memories of East Vancouver” (2023), while her latest publications “Proud to be a Kaur” and “Proud to be a Singh” were released in 2025 through Sikhlens Publishing with illustrations by Pardeep Singh. Her literary contributions have been recognized with The Drishti Award for Innovation and Excellence in the Arts in 2021 and The Sikh Heritage BC Community Changemakers Award in 2022.
Beyond her writing, Sodhi has created educational Sikh dolls that serve as both learning tools and toys, featuring long hair that allows children to practice braiding or tying it into a joodha (bun) and securing it with a patka (head covering). This initiative reflects her broader belief that children should have access to toys and materials that authentically represent their cultures. More information about her work can be found on Instagram @niraalicreations and on her website at www.niraalicreations.com.
MUSICIANS
GURPREET KAUR PHOKELA
Gurpreet Kaur Phokela is a multidisciplinary individual with a diverse background in science and the arts. She holds academic degrees in Education, Physics, Hindustani Classical Music (Sitar, Vocal), Tabla, and Industrial Relations and Personnel Management.
Gurpreet has extensive experience spanning 15 years of teaching high school Physics, Music, and Drama in India. She is an instructor of Laughter Yoga, Classical Music, Kirtan, which she taught for 19 years at SCOC, and Indian dances which she taught for the India Medical Association of Southern California. Committed to community service, she has been involved in medical camps. A Rangoli artist, Gurpreet loves playing various instruments and is an avid learner of Gurbani.
SIMRAN KAUR
Simran Kaur is a Versatile singer, Music Teacher, and performer who has released multiple songs with major labels like Zee Music, Tseries, Speed Records, Sammi Music, and performed internationally, from India to Times Square on Turbans day.
Her song Glamour was featured on Bigg Boss in India, and she was honored by the Governor of Maharashtra for her achievements. She was also crowned Mrs. India Global USA 2023–2024 First Runner-Up.
Sammi holds a bachelor degree in Indian Classical Music and Computer Science degree from Ohio State University and has over a decade of experience in IT, currently working with the US Navy, while continuing her journey as an artist with Sammi Music.
She continues to inspire audiences worldwide, follow her on YouTube and social media, or DM for bookings.
ARTISTS
JASMEET KAUR
Jasmeet Kaur is a mixed media artist who draws inspiration from her travels and encounters with people from diverse backgrounds. With a background in Textile Design and Development, she has exhibited her work in various cities throughout the United States and the United Kingdom.
Kaur strives to continuously experiment with new concepts and thoughts, embracing challenges that present positivity and unique narratives. When she’s not painting, she works on interior design projects and indulges her passion for traveling, experiences that continually inform and enrich her artistic practice.Her work can be viewed at www.baaniart.com and on Instagram @baaniart, where she invites others to join her in exploring a colorful and stimulating art world.
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM – LATE AFTERNOON 3 – THEATER 1
BHAI GURPREET SINGH (RINKU GURUJI)
Bhai Gurpreet Singh, lovingly known as Rinku Guruji, is a renowned interfaith spiritual leader and humanitarian from Ulhasnagar, India. As founder and chairman of the Amritvela Trust, he inspires people worldwide with messages of oneness, peace, and selfless service. Through kirtan, uplifting talks, and landmark projects such as the Nanak Roti food-sharing program and environmentally friendly “Silent Kirtan,” he promotes Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s vision of a united humanity. Honored by the World Book of Records for large-scale community service, Rinku Guruji continues to spread the timeless teachings of Sikhism while encouraging dialogue across faiths.