SIKHLENS FILM FESTIVAL: A CELEBRATION OF SIKH ART AND CULTURE

“Canada lives in Punjab, as much as Punjab lives in Canada.” — François Dutil

The Voice of Chandigarh News:

The film screenings continued in the second half of the Sikhlens: Arts & Film Festival 2023 at Tagore Theater, Chandigarh. In the section focusing on Canada, the Sikhlens Calendar 2023 on the theme ‘Hidden Histories: Pioneer Sikhs in Canada’ was launched by François Dutil, Consul, Consulate General of Canada.

In his keynote address, he stated “Canada lives in Punjab, as much as Punjab lives in Canada.”. He went on to emphasize that the Consulate General of Canada takes pride in reinforcing their strong ties with Punjab, and announced for hosting the Sikhlens Festival in Canada next year.

The world premiere screening of the documentary Hidden Histories: The Sikh Migration Path to Canada took place, which showcased the historic milestones of the first South Asians who migrated from India to Canada in the early 1900s. Screening was accorded with the discussion of the making and experiences related to the documenting and filming of the same by the author and curator Karen Dosanjh.

The phenomenal Gatka performance by Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Ji Gatka Akhara, was enchanting and hypnotizing for the audience.

The world premiere of the documentary One Beat, the story of Education and Free Healthcare, which showcases the towering efforts of free healthcare facilities to the underprivileged and ensuring medical education facilities in the small town of Bhira, in Uttar Pradesh, India by American-Sikh Bahadur Singh, was greatly appreciated.

The day of festivities culminated with an honor for One Beat, United Sikh Mission, DGRLS – Hoshiarpur. Along with them, hosts, exhibitors, participants, and keynote speakers, were also honored. The festival founder and directorate gave their closing remarks and the date was announced for next year’s Sikhlens India Festival 2024, which is decided to be on the 24th February 2024 (Saturday).