Event Type 2 SAFF 2023 Saturday
november
Event Details
Morning Session 1 – Theater 2Saturday, November 18, 2023
Event Details

Morning Session 1 – Theater 2
Saturday, November 18, 2023
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Theater 2 opens at 10:00 AM for the Morning session. Screening the films listed below:
The theater is located at:
The Frida Theater
305 E 4th St #100
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (714) 285-9422
The content, selections, and schedule subject to change without notice.

The Dark Chapter
Dark Chapter illuminates the profound human toll of the horrific 1984 riots, one of modern India’s darkest tragedies. Through intimate storytelling, the film depicts how violence reverberated across generations, as families continually seek justice and healing from immense loss. Dark Chapter puts faces and voices to tragedy, exploring the lingering trauma that afflicts survivors and descendants of the innocent lives brutally ended. It stands as a stark reminder that we cannot forget barbarity if we wish to prevent its recurrence. This emotional chronicle of people united by unspeakable sorrow reveals humanity’s resilience in the quest for truth and closure. Dark Chapter brings light to unhealed wounds so they may find peace.
This session is free!
Come in and enjoy hours of free entertainment.
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Event Details
Children’s Session – Theater 1Saturday, November 18, 202310:30 AM
Event Details

Children’s Session – Theater 1
Saturday, November 18, 2023
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
On Saturday, November 18th we will host programs in two theaters at The Frida Cinema, starting at 10:00 AM. The theater is located at:
305 E 4th St #100
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (714) 285-9422
The content, selections, and schedule subject to change without notice.
Theater 1 opens at 10:20 for the Children’s session. Children and their parents can enjoy a program of dance, animated films and book readings which begins at 10:30 AM.
The animated films include:

Bruce Singh The Lumberjack
The Lumberjack is a fun interactive bedtime story for children

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.

THE STONE THAT HIT MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH (ANIMATED)
This 3D animated tale illuminates a defining moment in the life of 19th century Punjab emperor Maharaja Ranjit Singh, showcasing his wisdom and generosity of spirit.
While riding atop an elephant through the capital city of Lahore after a victory celebration, Ranjit Singh was struck on the forehead by a stone thrown from behind a wall. Though he sustained an injury, the Maharaja demonstrated immense grace. Rather than punish the culprits, he pensioned the family who occupied the home near the wall, recognizing they acted out of poverty. His merciful response exemplified true leadership.

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.
Stories read by Kristeen Singh and Sonya Soni.
This session is free!
Come in and enjoy hours of free entertainment.
Time
(Saturday) 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Event Details
Morning Session 2 – Theater 2Saturday, November 18, 2023
Event Details

Morning Session 2 – Theater 2
Saturday, November 18, 2023
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
In Theater 2 Morning Session 2 starts at 11:30AM . Screening the films listed below:
The theater is located at:
The Frida Theater
305 E 4th St #100
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (714) 285-9422
The content, selections, and schedule subject to change without notice.

The Saviour
This film spotlights Singh’s daring escape from Singapore and arduous 3000 mile journey to India, for which he earned the Military Cross. When Pakistan attacked Kashmir, Singh rapidly mobilized to defend Srinagar airport and defeat invaders at Shellatang.
Against orders, he heroically entered besieged Poonch with just 419 soldiers, raising local militias and building an airbase to enable reinforcements. Singh’s bold gambit saved thousands, though it led to court martial.Interviews affirm Singh fought gallantly against overwhelming odds. This film seeks to honor his selfless courage and exonerate his reputation. The Saviour is a testament to one officer’s peerless grit in Kashmir’s darkest hour.
This session is free!
Come in and enjoy hours of free entertainment.
Time
(Saturday) 11:30 am - 12:45 pm
Event Details
Creative Sikhs/Live Performance – Theater 1Saturday, November 18, 20231:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Event Details

Creative Sikhs/Live Performance – Theater 1
Saturday, November 18, 2023
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
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, Julia Elizabeth Evans, Molly Karna, Amandeep Kaur, Jaspreet Kaur, Only Kewal, Salman Alam Khan, Aneesha Madhok, Navalpreet Rangi, Anmol Sandhu, Amolak Singh, Davinder Singh, Ravi Guru Singh, Vishavjit Singh and Ryan Westra will share their filmmaking experiences in dynamic panel discussions. Several writers including Jashanpreet Kaur Gill, Harjus Singh, Sandip K. Sodhi and Mariella Spagnolo will discuss creativity in their respective careers.
At 2:30PM, Davinder Singh and Only Kewal will give a live performance of the original play Ithihaas Gwaah Hai (in Punjabi) This session will be led by moderator Indy Saini.
Theater 1 starts at 1:00 PM for the Creative Sikhs and Live Performance session featuring the artists listed below:
The theater is located at:
The Frida Theater
305 E 4th St #100
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (714) 285-9422
The content, selections, and schedule subject to change without notice.
Filmmakers
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.
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 Singh documentary, 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.
Molly Karna

Molly Karna is an Indian-American writer and director based in Los Angeles. She recently completed her MFA thesis film Truckstop, a hybrid fiction-nonfiction short about a young Punjabi immigrant. While at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, Karna produced multiple award-winning shorts including Big and Small and Demi, for which she earned a Lambda LGBTQ Scholarship.
Prior to her USC studies, Karna gained experience in the Hindi film industry in Mumbai. In 2018, she directed the short film Arrangement, which premiered at the New York Indian Film Festival and won Best Debut Short Film at the Cincinnati Indian Film Festival. Karna also worked as a staff writer for the news-comedy show Samachari News and helped produce projects like Surina, Mel, and the Hindi film Chef.
Before embarking on her film career, Karna was a Fulbright Scholar researching gentrification and maternal health in Mumbai. She graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelors in Biomedical Engineering. With this diverse background spanning engineering, social issues, and comedy writing, Molly Karna is an exciting multi-hyphenate artist bringing a fresh lens to directing.
Amandeep Kaur

Amandeep “Aman” Kaur is a queer, Punjabi Sikh actress and filmmaker from Los Angeles, California. She co-founded Brown Girl Joy Productions in 2018 with her two older sisters in order to cultivate authentic Punjabi and Sikh stories. Although her acting journey began with absolutely no training due to being low income, she refined her craft watching films and practicing alone constantly. Through acting, Aman hopes to bring authentic South Asian representation to the big screen and inspire young brown girls like herself to pursue careers in the film industry. Her debut, Udhaare Supne, premiered at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, with her performance garnering praise. Her most recent film, Zindagi Dobara won the 2021 Tasveer Film Fund for Best LGBT Script and premiered at the 2022 Tasveer Film Festival. Her work has premiered at festivals like BAFTA qualifying Cambridge Film Festival, Outfest Fusion, Micheaux Film Festival, Chicago South Asian Film Festival, PrideFull, Out on Film: Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ Film Festival, and Kashish Mumbai International Film Festival. Aman recently completed her B.A in Asian American Studies and Gender Women Studies with a minor in Queer Studies.
Jaspreet Kaur

Jaspreet Kaur is a queer, immigrant filmmaker from the San Fernando Valley with roots in Punjab, India. As an undocumented Sikh growing up in a post 9/11 America, she turned to storytelling as an avenue to access basic resources and change how we perceive “outsiders.” Jaspreet creates stories that normalize narratives of LGBTQ+, undocumented, and Sikh people as multidimensional characters who are flawed, quirky, and authentic. In 2018, she co-founded Brown Girl Joy Productions to create innovative and transformative media centering underserved communities. Jaspreet graduated from Harvard College as the only Sikh student in the class of 2021. In 2022, she was a mentee in the Made in Her Image x A24’s Beyond the Screen program sharpening her producer skillset, while also writing an original television pilot as an Artist Disruptors Fellow at the Center for Cultural Power. Most recently, she produced the short film, Zindagi Dobara, which won the Netflix x Tasveer Film Fund grant and premiered at the Tasveer Film Festival. Jaspreet is completing her MFA at the University of Southern California as a NBCUniversal Point Flagship Scholar and Paul and Daisy Soros Fellow.
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.
Nardeep Khurmi

Nardeep is an acclaimed writer, director and actor based in Philadelphia by way of Switzerland. His work often spotlights underrepresented communities through compelling socially-conscious narratives and absurdist comedy.
As an actor, Nardeep has appeared in numerous TV shows including Jane the Virgin, SWAT, Why Women Kill, and as recurring voices on Disney’s Mira, Royal Detective. He is the winner of the 2021 ATT Untold Stories Program, 2021 Fall Screencraft Film Fund, and Silver Award winner in Drama at the 2021 PAGE Screenwriting Awards. Land of Gold marks his debut as a feature writer/director/actor.
When not on set, you’re likely to find Nardeep on a mountain hike or indulging in street food – two of his passions. He’s an award-winning creative who splits his time between thought-provoking social impact projects and offbeat humorous work.
Jashanpreet Kaur Gill

Jashanpreet Kaur Gill (Rose Gill) is a storyteller and filmmaker with a passion for compelling narratives. She has formal training in filmmaking, scriptwriting, cinematography, and editing from the prestigious New York Film Academy in Los Angeles.
As an alumnus of this Hollywood film school surrounded by Universal Studios and Warner Brothers, Jashanpreet has created several award-winning short films over the past three years. She directed veteran Punjabi actor Nirmal Rishi in the impactful short film “Nazi Naa Aawe” and tackled political participation in “Fark Painda Hai.” Her experimental films “Time’s Up” and “White Right” have won acclaim, along with the music video “Vas.” Jashanpreet has also collaborated internationally on shorts like “Those Few Stole Heartbeats” and “The Wound The Light.”
Most recently, she worked as Associate Director on the National Award-winning investigative drama “Brig. Pritam Singh, The Savior.” Four of her films have received “Memorable Mention” at the Student World Impact Festival. Despite accomplishments in her bureaucratic career, Jashanpreet feels incomplete, still searching for Rumi’s promised “Field” beyond right and wrong where her best friend “Shams” awaits.
Maria Patel

Maria Patel is an accomplished storyteller and researcher with over 15 years of experience spanning documentary filmmaking, commercial writing, and ethnographic studies. Her work has been recognized globally, including winning the Cannes Film Festival Award in the Human Rights category for her impactful storytelling in The Losing Side.
Maria has collaborated with diverse creative professionals across mediums on projects ranging from visual narratives to written research reports for development organizations. She contributes extensively to factual storytelling through film, text, and photography. Her experience covers research, strategy, writing, and directing documentary and commercial content.
As a social change advocate, Maria is driven by curiosity to uncover untold narratives and new perspectives. Her research-based approach centers on listening to marginalized voices and communities. Maria’s focus on gender, religious minorities, digital governance, and ethnographies has informed discourse on equal citizenship, democratic culture, and pluralism in Pakistan.
Anmol Sandhu

Specializing as a director and actor, Anmol Sandhu crafts stories that highlight contrasting characters who reveal their intricate desires and flaws in relation to one another. Through themes of tradition, family dynamics, and the first-generation experience, he explores sides of life not often portrayed in conventional films. His characters and their interactions unveil nuanced perspectives.
Anmol’s current project, “Bollywood Goes Hollywood,” combines elements of the quintessential Bollywood musical rom-com with Hollywood storytelling. This concept was motivated by his intent to create a love letter to the Bollywood films he was immersed in during childhood. Having witnessed the cultural impact on his family and community, Anmol felt compelled to share this influence with wider audiences, exposing South Asian styles of storytelling.
As an actor himself, Anmol is devoted to authentic portrayals that connect with viewers. His directorial vision is driven by a passion to bring unheard narratives to the screen. Whether drawing on his own upbringing or imagining characters unlike himself, Anmol Sandhu strives to craft stories that enlighten perspectives and expand representation in cinema.
Amolak Singh

Amolak Singh is an accomplished young filmmaker based in Delhi and Mumbai, India. With extensive experience crafting acclaimed films, documentaries, and commercials for major Indian studios, he has firmly established himself as a talented storyteller.
Amolak possesses a unique ability to transform simple concepts into compelling narratives that resonate universally. His films delve into complex character arcs and socially relevant themes, demonstrating a deep appreciation for the full spectrum of human emotion and experience.
Regardless of genre or format, Amolak’s work reveals his profound insight into the human condition and his passion for exploring life’s complexities through the power of visual storytelling. After years honing his craft with major productions, he has emerged as a fresh voice ready to captivate global audiences.
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, 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.
Kunwar Raj Singh and Subeg Singh Bhogal

Kunwar Raj Singh and Subeg Singh Bhogal both hail from Jalandhar, Punjab. The filmmaking partners each began their careers directing award-winning short films during their college years. Their early accoladed works earned them honors including Dada Saheb Phalke awards and recognition at the Bangalore International Film Festival. This launched what would become a fruitful creative partnership between the two.
After college, Kunwar and Subeg gained valuable experience assisting on major Hindi and Punjabi films like Baadshaho, Soorma, Romeo Akbar Walter, Attack and Vadda Kalakaar. Their joint directorial efforts continued through forming their own production company, Filmy Boys. Under this banner, they have directed around 26 music videos, 4 commercials, and a long short film.
With a proven track record of successful short filmmaking and a diverse array of projects under their belt, Kunwar Raj Singh and Subeg Singh Bhogal are now preparing to make their debut web series later this year. Their journey shows a commitment to nurturing their craft from an early age and steadily building their portfolio. Guided by a shared creative vision, the Filmy Boys continue to hone their distinctive cinematic voice.
Vishavjit Singh

Vishavjit Singh is a NYC-based storyteller, TEDx speaker, illustrator, and performance artist renowned for his caricatures on Sikhtoons.com. A producer of the new animated short American Sikh, Singh wields his art to dispel prejudice in the post-9/11 era.
For years, he has toured as ‘Captain America Singh’ – turban intact – using humor to spur dialogues on identity, bias, and positive change. His keynotes at organizations like Google, NASA, and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus tackle difficult topics with disarming wit.
Singh is the subject of acclaimed documentaries including Drawn Together and Red White & Beard. His message of unity through narrative has been featured by NPR, BBC, The Atlantic, The Guardian, and The New York Times. From schools to boardrooms, Singh harnesses the power of illustration and story to replace anxiety with understanding. His work proves art can illuminate our shared humanity.
Ravi Guru Singh

Ravi Guru Singh is an attorney and multi-disciplinary artist born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. The short film he wrote, produced, co-directed and acted in, “The Invite”, premiered at the first-ever South Asian House hosted by South by Southwest in 2023 and is on tour at festivals around the world. This summer he was covered by Elle Magazine, Vogue and the Business of Fashion for addressing biases in fashion and generative AI at the first-ever AI Fashion Week in New York. He debuted as a lead actor in the full-length film “Terrible Children” which premiered on the festival circuit last year. His legal writings were published in the New York Law Journal and law360 in 2022. He created and sold the first Bollywood digital fashion collection, which was featured by the Times of India and the Hindu. He was previously an associate at Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton and also served as a New York City Urban Fellow in the Administration of Mayor Michael Bloomberg. He graduated from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and Vanderbilt University on full scholarships. He was also a cast member of Netflix’s Indian Matchmaking, which he wrote about for the Huffington Post.
Mariella Spagnolo

Mariella Spagnolo is a New Jersey based Actor and now, an Award-Winning Screenwriter. As a child, she enjoyed writing short comedy skits with her fraternal twin sister. She began performing in the school plays and talent shows and continued her love for acting in college. She is first generation Italian-American and very proud of her Calabrese heritage. She worked in the corporate and nonprofit sector.
Returning to the film industry after a long hiatus has been a worthwhile journey thus far. She has been cast in lead and supporting roles in various short and feature films, portraying an array of character types from dramatic to comedic. Mariella has lived in Latin American and speaks a few languages. She is Founder of the annual fundraising gala for a deaf-blind school in Buenos Aires, Argentina and has raised over $4M in charitable revenue for nonprofit organizations. She holds an MBA and Post MBA degree and continues to educate herself and acquire new skills. Mariella is also a College Professor and a Consultant. In her spare time, she enjoys creative writing, studying languages, cooking, playing golf, dancing Bhangra, and making wine with her father. Mariella has written five unproduced screenplays since 2022, all with Panjabi and Sikh context.
Sandip Sodhi

Sandip Sodhi is a Canadian, British born, Sikh woman with immigrant parents from Punjab, India. She was raised in Vancouver and completed her B.A. and B.Ed from the University of British Columbia. She is a children’s book author and an elementary school teacher in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. Sodhi has been teaching children ages 5-13 for over 29 years. She has worked as a classroom teacher for grades 4-7 and is currently her school’s Teacher-Librarian.
Sodhi is passionate about cultural representation and diversity in children’s literature. She believes children need to see themselves reflected in books to help them connect with the characters. As a child of the 1970s in East Vancouver, Sodhi did not have this experience herself. So, she consciously writes inclusive, diverse books. Sodhi has written three picture books so far, with more on the way. Her books promote messages of unity, diversity, and positivity. She was recognized with two awards for her writing.
Navalpreet Rangi

Navalpreet Rangi is a filmmaker and art photographer originally from the small village of Chommo in Punjab, India. His artistic journey began early, with a debut poetry book published at 16 and his first play staged with the Indian People’s Theatre Association while still in high school. Rangi developed his photography skills under artist Tejinder in Punjab before pursuing theater and creative arts during his college years at DAV College Chandigarh.
After graduation, Rangi moved to Mumbai where he continued honing his craft in theater alongside Punjabi artists and through art photography with Prithvi Theatre. This diverse experience laid the foundation for his filmmaking pursuits. In 2016, Rangi established Studio 7 Production, with photography studios based in Brampton and Surrey.
With artistic roots in poetry, theater, and visual arts, Navalpreet Rangi brings a multidisciplinary perspective to his filmmaking. His journey has taken him from writing books in his Punjabi village to staging plays in Mumbai and building a photography studio in Canada. This unique background informs Rangi’s passion for storytelling through imagery.
Ryan Westra

Director Ryan Westra has been fortunate to capture many powerful and important stories. He’s traveled rural Punjab capturing undocumented stories of a Sikh genocide, documented the struggle of indigenous peoples against oil companies in Montana, followed the HIV/AIDS outreach work of an NGO in Mozambique, edited an HBO feature documentary on reproductive rights, filmed the intensity of para-athletes pushing their limits, shot content for Headspace around a monastery in the Himalayas about mindfulness, shot a documentary about re-housing the most at-risk homeless in Los Angeles, and has had minor roles on Netflix and HBO series that deal with wrongful conviction and bringing cult leaders to justice.
Live Performance: Ithihaas Gwaah Hai (in Punjabi) at 2:30 PM
Ithihaas Gwaah Hai is a thought-provoking play written by Rishi Puri and poetically enhanced by Mankhan Brar. It stages a dialogue between the statue of a freedom fighter who sacrificed for society, and a common man fighting for daily survival. Portrayed by actors Only Kewal and Davinder Singh, the two characters hold differing outlooks shaped by their distinct stations in life. As their perspectives collide, viewers are left to grapple with pivotal questions. Which viewpoint do we align with? What sacrifices are justified for the greater good?

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, and Benaqab Chehre on Chaupal TV. With several compelling films in the pipeline for 2024, Singh continues to garner attention for his acting, writing, and 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.
This session is free!
Come in and enjoy hours of free entertainment.
Time
(Saturday) 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Event Details
Panthic Digital Voice – Theater 2Saturday, November 18, 20231:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Event Details

Panthic Digital Voice – Theater 2
Saturday, November 18, 2023
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
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.
The theater is located at:
The Frida Theater
305 E 4th St #100
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (714) 285-9422
This session is free!
Come in and enjoy hours of free entertainment.
Time
(Saturday) 1:15 pm - 2:15 pm
Event Details
Afternoon Session – Theater 2Saturday, November 18, 20232:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Event Details

Afternoon Session – Theater 2
Saturday, November 18, 2023
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
The Afternoon Session starts immediately after the Panthic Digital Voice (PDV) session, so stick around for more films.
This session will be screening in Theater 2.
The theater is located at:
The Frida Theater
305 E 4th St #100
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (714) 285-9422
The content, selections, and schedule subject to change without notice.

Sat Sri Akal
Sat Sri Akaal illuminates the significance behind the common Sikh greeting, which many in the community utter daily without fully grasping its profound meaning. The film explores how most Sikhs mispronounce the phrase as “Sas Ri Kaal” or “Shashi Kaal Ji” rather than the correct “Sat Sri Akaal.”
Sat Sri Akaal delves into roots of this phrase in the Sikh tradition. It aims to educate viewers on the true essence behind the greeting. It encourages reflection on how we can recapture the essence of “Sat Sri Akaal” and restore understanding of its original purpose.

Home Sweet Home
The NBC show Home Sweet Home featured an interesting episode where a Southern California Sikh family exchanged homes for a week with a Jewish family. By living in each other’s households, meeting relatives and neighbors, they gained insights into their respective cultures and faiths. This immersive experience facilitated mutual understanding between the families as they experienced one another’s traditions firsthand. Through the simple act of sharing meals, having conversations, and observing daily rituals in an authentic setting, deep bonds and empathy were fostered.
This session is free!
Come in and enjoy hours of free entertainment.
Time
(Saturday) 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm
Event Details
Late Afternoon Session 1 – Theater 1Saturday, November 18, 20233:30 PM
Event Details

Late Afternoon Session 1 – Theater 1
Saturday, November 18, 2023
3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
This session is screening in Theater 1.
The theater is located at:
The Frida Theater
305 E 4th St #100
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (714) 285-9422
The content, selections, and schedule subject to change without notice.

Basera
Basera, a documentary by Sikhlens, offers an intimate look into the lives of elderly residents at Akal Old Age Home in the serene locale of Sas Nagar, Mohali. With compassionate care, the film explores the final dwelling place for many, unveiling the unspoken emotions and whispers of its revered inhabitants. Recognized as a peaceful sanctuary, Akal provides a refuge for older adults in need of shelter and community in their twilight years.
Through interviews and glimpses into daily life, the film paints a moving portrait of the residents’ diverse experiences, memories, emotions, and hopes woven together by an enduring spirit of resilience. Viewers journey through Akal’s clean, well-kept halls where the essence of home resonates. Each story illuminates the universal human needs for belonging, recognition, and dignity at life’s end.

Breaking Barriers: The Manka Dhingra Story
Breaking Barriers: The Manka Dhingra Story spotlights the groundbreaking journey of Manka Dhingra, the first Sikh woman elected to any U.S. state legislature. With over two decades of experience in law and behavioral health, Dhingra now serves as Deputy Majority Leader of the Washington State Senate, chairing the Senate Law & Justice Committee. She is currently running for Attorney General of the state of Washington. The film explores Dhingra’s historic political rise, public service accomplishments, and justice reform efforts. We glimpse her remarkable resilience reshaping politics while breaking entrenched barriers.

Connecting the Dots
Connecting The Dots follows Rubab Chishti, a young architect passionately changing historic conservation in Pakistan. It showcases her dedication to restoring the 190-year-old Gurdwara Choa Sahab, an abandoned Gurudwara within the Rohtas Fort. Since 1947, this pioneering project marks the first proper Gurudwara conservation effort in Pakistan. We witness Chishti challenging longstanding traditions of superficial restoration. Through preserving cultural touchstones like Choa Sahab, she connects the dots between past and future, dedicating herself to saving Pakistan’s living heritage.

Desperately Seeking Sikh
Tensions run high during dinner as a couple is educated on Panjabi culture, language, and some of the principles of Sikhism by a Sikh guest.

Sacred Thread in Lima
Embark on a journey with Partap Singh Khalsa, a Sikh man living in the heart of Lima, Peru. Partap shares his unique perspective on life, Sikhism, and the beautiful fusion of cultures that define his world. Married to a Spanish lady, he bridges the gap between East and West effortlessly, speaking fluent Spanish and weaving the rich tapestry of his multicultural life.
As the viewer, you’ll be immersed in the breathtaking landscapes of Peru, following Partap Singh Khalsa as he navigates the bustling streets of Lima and ventures into the serene beauty of the Peruvian countryside. Through his lens, you’ll discover the profound philosophy of Sikhism and the universal messages of peace, love, and equality that it embodies. Partap Singh Khalsa’s mission is to educate and enlighten people from around the world about Sikhism, and his charismatic presence and profound insights make this journey both enlightening and enriching.

Pouri
Pouri is a documentary exploring the mass migration of young Punjabis to Western countries like Canada and the cultural crisis this has sparked. The film reveals the perspectives of two generations living through drastic change. In Punjab, anxious parents confront empty nests as their children leave home to pursue opportunities abroad. Though proud, they express grief at losing their youth’s presence. The young describe social pressures to emigrate at all costs, though their hearts remain with the homeland. Overseas, transplanted youth reveal struggles to balance heritage and assimilation, questioning their identity in a foreign land.

The Stevia Story
The Stevia Story follows the Gandhi family, first-generation farmers who pioneered the introduction of stevia to India. Despite challenges as newcomers to agriculture, they were driven by a vision to cultivate a healthy, natural sweetener. Through footage of life on their farm, we witness the Gandhis’ perseverance through failed crops and skepticism. The passion and resilience lead to India’s first commercial stevia harvest.

Which Way We Go
Which Way We Go is a documentary about the deportation of 700 international students from Canada. Beyond the deportations, it illuminates the everyday struggles facing these students trying to navigate a complex immigration system stacked against them. Many grappled with unaffordable housing, isolation, and balancing studies with multiple jobs. The film humanizes this controversial incident by highlighting the resilience of the students.
Q & A Session
Hansjeet Duggal, Salman Alam Khan, Navalpreet Rangi, Amolak Singh, Davinder Singh, Hargus Singh, Vishavjit Singh, Mariella Spagnolo, and Ryan Westra discuss their films screened in this session.
This session is free!
Come in and enjoy hours of free entertainment.
Time
(Saturday) 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Event Details
Late Afternoon Session 2 (Some Mature Content) – Theater 2Saturday, November 18,
Event Details

Late Afternoon Session 2 (Some Mature Content) – Theater 2
Saturday, November 18, 2023
3:45 PM – 6:00 PM
This session is screening in Theater 2.
The theater is located at:
The Frida Theater
305 E 4th St #100
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (714) 285-9422
Parental Guidance is highly recommended for this session, due to possible language and mature subjectivity of the films in this session.
The content, selections, and schedule subject to change without notice.

Bollywood Goes Hollywood
Veer only contacts his mother when he needs money, until a visit home puts him in a predicament. After a flirtatious encounter with Rupi in the elevator, Veer faces an ultimatum from his doting mother Shirina – she’ll only pay his bills if he agrees to an arranged marriage. When Veer realizes Rupi is now putting on a traditional act to impress Shirina, he aims to expose Rupi’s secret identity to his mother.

Noor Zora
Noor Zora is an arts group comprised of men who perform the traditional Punjabi folk dance Giddha while dressed as women at weddings and functions. Through intimate interviews, the film explores the motivations and experiences of these performers who challenge gender norms by embracing this cultural artform. Noor Zora provides a window into the world of gender-bending dance in Punjab, revealing how these performers navigate family expectations, public perceptions, and their own identities.

Truckstop
The short narrative Truckstop shines a light on the experiences of Punjabi women immigrants working in truck stops across the California desert. It captures the stark realities and daily struggles of the Punjabi immigrant experience in this unique setting. The story follows Jasleen, who yearns to break free from the confines of the truck stop world. When an opportunity to leave finally arises, she makes a surprising choice that reveals the complexities of starting over in a new country. Through Jasleen’s story, Truckstop provides an intimate and empathetic lens into the lives of Punjabi women pursuing hopes of a better future, while confronting the harsh truths that emerge along the way.

Zindagi Dobara
Zindagi Dobara is a short narrative centering on a young South Asian teen whose life is upended when her parents are killed in a car accident. She is suddenly forced to live with a distant aunt she has never met or heard of before. Two strangers united by tragedy, they reluctantly embark on an emotional journey to coexist and perhaps one day find a new meaning of family. Zindagi Dobara explores the complex ties that bind us even in life’s most difficult moments.

Hidden Histories-The Sikh Migration Path to Canada
Hidden Histories: The Sikh Migration Path to Canada brings Karen Dosanjh’s book “Untold Stories: The South Asian Pioneer Experience in BC” to the screen. The documentary chronicles the arduous journey of the first Sikh migrants from India who arrived in Canada in the early 1900s seeking opportunity. It illuminates the discrimination and rampant anti-Asian sentiments these pioneer settlers faced in their adopted homeland. Viewers learn about key events in B.C.’s racial history including immigration bans and laws that stripped early South Asian communities of basic rights. Hidden Histories resuscitates forgotten stories of struggle, resistance, and resilience.

Maa
Maa tells the story of Dilreet and Kirat, two siblings who return to their ancestral village in Punjab to confront their estranged uncle about their mother’s tragic suicide. Still processing her childhood trauma, passionate Dilreet spearheads the confrontation, lashing out against their uncle for failing to protect her mother from abuse. Her fury ignites when the village women decline to join her petition against domestic violence, wary of rocking the boat.
Though disheartened, Dilreet finds hope when her recalcitrant uncle himself becomes the first to sign. The bittersweet ending suggests glimmers of progress amidst entrenched social norms. But Dilreet ultimately accepts the need for incremental change, letting go of her anger to pursue justice through education.

The Invite
As his wedding day approaches, an Indian American man realizes his turban must be tied for his wedding and has to decide whether to invite his father to be a part of the biggest day of his life.
Q & A Session
Jaspreet Kaur, Anmol Sandhu, Gurdeep Dhaliwal, Aneesha Madhok, Molly Karna, and Ravi Guru Singh discuss their films screened in this session.
This session is free!
Come in and enjoy hours of free entertainment.
Time
(Saturday) 3:45 pm - 6:00 pm
18nov7:00 pm9:30 pmSAFF 2023 :: Saturday Feature Film :: JodiSATURDAY • NOV • 18 • 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Event Details
Theater 2Saturday, November 18, 20237:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Event Details

Theater 2
Saturday, November 18, 2023
7:00 PM – 9:30 PM

In Punjab in the 1980s, this musical drama follows two artists revolutionizing Punjabi folk. As the most celebrated musical duo in the region, their love story emerges. A shroud of mystery envelopes their path.
Including the following short film…

The Stevia Story
The Stevia Story follows the Gandhi family, first-generation farmers who pioneered the introduction of stevia to India. Despite challenges as newcomers to agriculture, they were driven by a vision to cultivate a healthy, natural sweetener. Through footage of life on their farm, we witness the Gandhis’ perseverance through failed crops and skepticism. The passion and resilience lead to India’s first commercial stevia harvest.
These films will be screening in Theater 2.
The theater is located at:
The Frida Theater
305 E 4th St #100
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (714) 285-9422
Time
(Saturday) 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Event Details
Theater 1Saturday, November 18, 20237:15 PM – 9:15 PM
Event Details

Theater 1
Saturday, November 18, 2023
7:15 PM – 9:15 PM

A father with his younger son moves to Canada along with his family to live with his Canadian son and his family. Instead of adopting Canadian Culture, They started imposing their own way of living. The problems start when the culture of both family collides.
Parental Guidance is highly recommended for this session, due to possible language and mature subjectivity of the films in this session.
Including the following short film…

Sarbat Da Bhala
Sarbat da Bhala (blessings for all) takes on new meaning through the selfless work of Manjinder Singh. Though now based in the US, Manjinder has been tirelessly providing meals to the underprivileged across seventeen locations in his native Punjab for years. Every day, his organization prepares and delivers over 50,000 cooked meals, dispatching mini-trucks to hospitals and shelters in need. For over a decade, these mobile kitchens have arrived 365 days a year, 24/7, powered by Manjinder’s passion and volunteers who cook through the night. The documentary showcases how one man’s service knows no borders or bounds, uplifting those facing hardship – from the sick and elderly to victims of disasters.
These films will be screening in Theater 1.
The theater is located at:
The Frida Theater
305 E 4th St #100
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (714) 285-9422
Time
(Saturday) 7:15 pm - 9:15 pm