Event Type : SAFF 2023 Sunday

Rahao

This short dance film is an attempt to bring focus on simply pausing to lean back and enjoy the little pleasures of life.

Rahab—Strings of Oneness 

A cinematic history of the Rahab.

Echoes of Pothohar: A Journey Through Punjabi Musical Heritage

Echoes of Pothohar takes us on a journey through Punjabi Musical Heritage from the ancient cultural folk songs of the Pothohar region to the pounding beats of modern Bhangra.

Eternal Musicians  (Akaal Ke Rababiye)

The documentary Eternal Musicians (Akal Ke Rababiye) follows Ranjodh Singh and Lovejot Singh, traditional string instrument makers and players. It showcases their crafting of the Rabab, Saranda, and Taus, as well as their teachings of Gurbani recital through these instruments. By documenting their processes, the film preserves the legacy of these musicians keeping ancient Sikh practices alive through their reverberating strings.

Rails, Jails and Trolleys

Rails, Jails and Trolleys documents history’s largest farmers’ protest and the Canadian diaspora’s response to it. This groundbreaking documentary captures the electric ethos of a protest that received international attention and the resounding response by Canadians to the movement. A full year in the making the documentary tells the story of why and how the farmers’ movement ignited a nation and youth, women, and men from all over the world.

Sikh History on the Streets of London

Since 2003, London-based researcher Rav Singh has dedicated himself to developing captivating lectures that introduce audiences to the intricate histories of the Sikhs, Anglo-Sikhs, and Punjabi culture. Singh’s passion project, A little History of the Sikhs, was founded in 2014 to supplement his academic research with guided tours in London, across the UK, and throughout Europe. This community education initiative has grown to include a team of knowledgeable guides, creative illustrators who visually enhance the tours, and tech-savvy members who help create films and edit the stories.

When the COVID-19 pandemic halted their ability to conduct walking tours, day trips, and study visits in 2020, the team pivoted to capturing and presenting short video reels. These individual reels were then edited together to form Sikh History on the Streets of London, a compilation visual media record of London locations and the Sikh histories they reveal.

Apna Faraz

Apna Farz is a poignant documentary from the Sikhlens’ Community Voices program highlighting the inspiring work of Apna Farz Sewa Society in India – a beacon of hope for those trapped in illegal enslavement and homelessness. In a land where casteism and discrimination still persist, this society transcends boundaries by offering medical care, food, shelter and, most importantly, freedom to those chained in forced labor and poverty.

The film chronicles Pal Kharoud and his team’s compassionate efforts to rescue and rehabilitate individuals subjected to extreme suffering and inhumane conditions. From liberating a man enchained by his family for twelve years, to aiding the distressed, it depicts tales of the resilient human spirit triumphing over despair.

The Super Sikh 

The Super Sikh tells the heart-wrenching yet inspiring journey of a young Sikh man who strives to achieve his goals despite facing disability. We follow his unrelenting spirit as he works to transform what others see as a limitation into his greatest strength. We witness the prejudice he faces and cheer his perseverance to live life on his own terms. His passion and resilience in pursuing his dreams enable him to break barriers and embrace his full potential. 

Resilience of Faith 

The documentary Resilience of Faith celebrates Ramesh Singh Arora’s profound impact on the Sikh diaspora and devotion to preserving Sikh culture. Tracing his family’s ancestral roots in Pakistan and their steadfast faith back to his grandfather’s fateful decision to remain guided by the Guru’s teachings, the film explores this heritage.

It culminates with Arora’s landmark accomplishments of establishing the Kartarpur Peace Corridor and passing the pioneering Sikh Marriage Act. Through honoring one family’s sacrifices and service, the film illuminates the resilience and spirit of the global Sikh community.

Karda Reh Ardas 

Karda Reh Ardas tells the story of Gursewak Singh, a truck driver from Ropar, Punjab who decides to purchase his own truck by mortgaging all his possessions. But he soon realizes the challenges ahead are far greater than anticipated. Inspired by a famous folklore, the film explores Gursewak’s crisis of faith as his plans unravel. Despite mounting setbacks that test his perseverance and trust, Gursewak turns to prayer and divine grace to see him through the turmoil.

Lord and Lady Singh

Lord and Lady Singh encapsulates the remarkable lives and enduring impact of Lord Indarjit Singh and Lady Kawaljit Kaur Singh. Tracing their journey from colonial India to the heart of Britain, it weaves a tale of service, faith and promoting social harmony.

Amidst the backdrop of post-war Britain, Lord Singh’s narrative is one of resilience and purpose. An engineer by profession, his contributions span decades as an advocate for the UK Sikh community. His voice has resonated across BBC radio promoting messages of peace, understanding, and unity through programs such as BBC Radio 4’s “Thought for the Day” and “Pause for Thought” on BBC Radio 2. 

Together with his wife Lady Singh, who carries her own achievements including an OBE, they have built bridges between communities and upheld Sikh values on the global stage. More than just accomplishments, their story represents an enduring love and shared vision in making the world more just. The film provides an intimate portrait of two exemplary partners who have profoundly touched countless lives.

Badlaav 

Badlaav dives into a pressing concern shared by many within the Sikh community: the increasing detachment of the younger generation from the Gurdwaras. This compelling short film navigates the vibrant halls of the Gurdwaras, only to uncover a poignant absence – the dwindling presence of the youthful spirit. Badlaav underscores the widening rift between time-honored religious customs and the evolving aspirations of the contemporary youth. The film shines a spotlight on the Shabad Chowki, a tradition that resonates more than ever in today’s context despite being rooted in a history spanning 400 years.

But Badlaav is not just a reflection on the present. It emerges as a luminous beacon, illuminating the path forward. Addressing pressing concerns, the film proposes innovative solutions to mend the generational rift. It advocates for Gurdwaras to transform not just as places of worship but as dynamic community hubs that resonate with the passions and aspirations of young Sikhs. By weaving in modern pedagogies, encouraging candid conversations, and designing programs that captivate their interests, Gurdwaras can reclaim their pivotal role as hubs of community engagement and spiritual nourishment for all.

Solitary

With minutes left before U.S. forces level a Mujahideen camp, a Sikh prisoner trapped in solitary confinement turns to his faith to make a daring escape.

Me/Her

Two friends meet again after ten years to reconcile, rekindle, and regret old feelings.

The Sikh Soldier

During World War I, a Sikh soldier endures the horrors of battle while fighting for the British Empire on the frontlines. Haunted by trauma yet filled with valor, he survives the Great War only to be met with further turmoil back home in India. Though promised equality and freedom for his wartime sacrifices, he returns to find his country still under the oppression of colonial rule and he must perform one more barbaric duty as a soldier.

A Turban and a Beard

In September 2001, a Sikh man was murdered outside his gas station in one of the first hate crimes against the Sikh community following 9/11. The family shared that the killer saw only his turban and beard. Nearly twenty years later, despite much progress, a disturbing new wave of prejudice and nationalism has emerged. What was once more covert racism has alarmingly resurfaced. To counter these narratives, the filmmaker aims to provide a window into his own cultural, religious, and social upbringing as a Sikh American. 

Kaur

Kaur tells the story of a young Sikh woman who feels drawn to fully embrace her faith and heritage. Though women in the Sikh community do not traditionally wear turbans, she feels called to take the sacred Amrit initiation ceremony and don the turban herself. This decision does not align with her traditional father’s wishes, sparking familial conflict. As she perseveres in following her spiritual calling, she must find a balance between honoring her community’s traditions and staying true to her own convictions. This nuanced drama provides an intimate look at one woman’s personal journey of faith, identity, and finding one’s authentic self.

O My Beloved

This documentary celebrates Bhai Vir Singh, the father of modern Punjabi literature, on his 150th birth anniversary. Through writings spanning poetry, fiction, journalism and scholarship, Bhai Vir Singh revolutionized literary Punjabi and spearheaded a cultural renaissance.

He founded seminal institutions like Khalsa College and Punjab & Sind Bank that furthered Punjabi education and empowerment. Regarded as the greatest Sikh intellectual of the 20th century, Bhai Vir Singh earned tributes from Indian leaders for his humanism. Honored with top national awards, his legacy as a community trailblazer and literary pioneer continues to inspire and unite Punjabis worldwide.

The Sporty Sikh

The Sporty Sikh chronicles the thrilling adventures and inspirational journey of Amarjeet Singh, following his life of struggle and triumph fueled by a relentless passion for sports. Through interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, we witness Amarjeet chasing athletic dreams despite discrimination and limited resources. This emotional rollercoaster illuminates his perseverance to redefine what is possible.

One Beat

One Beat tells the uplifting story of American Sikh Bahadur Singh’s mission to bring free healthcare and medical education to the underserved in rural India. Based in the small town of Bhira, Uttar Pradesh, Bahadur established much-needed health facilities offering services, screenings, and medicines at no cost to impoverished communities. He didn’t stop there. Understanding the value of sustainability through knowledge, Bahadur also set up training programs to empower youth to become healthcare professionals and serve their local areas. One Beat chronicles how Bahadur’s visionary initiatives have transformed lives in a region with limited access to care. 

Dreams

The film Dreams showcases the journey of Diljott and her Dream Buds Foundation and how it has positively impacted the lives of the poor they work this and made a difference in their lives. This documentary portrays the dreams of a few of the many underprivileged people they have supported. 

Dreams is the latest Sikhlens Community Voices film. The Community Voices program creates films free of charge for nonprofits such as the Dream Buds Foundation to help them raise funds and recruit volunteers.