The Story Behind Sikhlens
Founded in Southern California to change the narrative
Our Mission
Educating the World About Sikh Religion and Culture
Sikhlens is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to sharing Sikh heritage and culture through documentary films, art, books, scholarships, and film festivals. We create space for Sikh stories to reach audiences who may never have encountered them otherwise.
Our work spans feature documentaries, short films, youth education programs, and annual festivals across the US, Canada, UK, and India. Every project we undertake is guided by a single purpose: helping the world understand Sikhism through the universal language of film.
Our Story
Founded Post-9/11. Still Here 25 Years Later.
Sikhlens was founded by Satinder "Bicky" Singh in Southern California in the early 2000s, in the immediate aftermath of September 11. Sikhs were being misidentified and targeted. The broader public had almost no exposure to Sikh culture, history, or values.
Bicky believed the most powerful response was storytelling. Not press releases or protests, but films that let real people speak for themselves. He started producing documentaries, building a catalog of Sikh voices that would otherwise never reach mainstream audiences.
Twenty-five years later, the Film Directory lists 170 films, including work still in production. We hold six annual festivals, have supported 100+ students through scholarships, and published books on Sikh art and culture. The mission has not changed.
- ›Destination S — Feature-length documentary production
- ›Community Voices — Nonprofit-funded short films on Sikh service
- ›Digital Voice — Media literacy and filmmaking education for youth
- ›Sikhlens-In-A-Box — Mini festivals brought to venues worldwide
- ›Animations — Sikh history and culture told through animation
- ›Chapman University Partnership — Graduate-level film production collaboration
“Sikhlens gives the world an opportunity to understand Sikh culture through the universal language of film.”
Satinder "Bicky" Singh, Founder
Where We Work
Festivals and Screenings Worldwide
Six annual festivals: Orange County and Los Angeles, Seattle, Chandigarh, Leicester, the Greater Toronto Area, and Vancouver. Sikhlens-In-A-Box brings screenings to community venues, including the Bay Area, Yuba City, Central California, Chicago, Denver, New York, London, New Delhi, Singapore, Malaysia, and other communities.
Annual Festivals
- Orange County and Los Angeles
- Seattle
- Chandigarh
- Leicester
- Greater Toronto Area
- Vancouver
Sikhlens-In-A-Box Cities
- Bay Area
- Yuba City
- Central California
- Chicago
- Denver
- New York
- London
- New Delhi
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Other communities
Our Work
Explore our programs and initiatives advancing Sikh arts, culture, and education.
See our programs →Our Impact
See the reach and outcomes of our films, festivals, and educational programs worldwide.
View our impact →Annual Reports
Read each year's letter on the films, festivals, and the rest of the work.
Read the reports →Our Team
Bicky Singh
Founder & Executive Director