Saturday Matinee 1

This documentary chronicles the remarkable life and legacy of Gyani Sundar Singh Sagar, a prominent Sikh scholar, activist, and pillar of the British-Sikh community. Gyani Ji dedicated decades to fighting for religious freedoms and civil rights in the UK. The film explores how he became a pillar of Sikh society, focusing on the quiet strength of his family who stood by his side while he stood up for the community. It highlights his historic campaigns, including his successful seven-year campaign to allow Sikh transport workers to wear turbans (1966) and his courageous protests against motorcycle helmet laws to secure religious exemptions.

This documentary captures the energy and spirit of Bruin Bhangra, the student-led Bhangra team at the University of California, Los Angeles. Set within the broader context of Sikh Student Associations (SSA) across North American campuses, the film explores how Bhangra has evolved beyond dance-becoming a powerful expression of identity, community, and belonging for Sikh and Punjabi youth.

The film tells the story of Peter Singh and Nino Kaur, a South Delhi couple who have transformed their house into one of the cleanest-air homes in the country. With over 15,000 plants, solar power, rainwater harvesting, and natural construction techniques, they maintain an indoor AQI of just 10-15 even when the city outside is choking with pollution. Built as a healing sanctuary after Neno's battle with cancer, their home is a living example of how care for the environment can also care for the people within it.

An Italian woman's journey into Sikhi unfolds through her hands and heart - as Siri Ram Kaur weaves prayer, art, and spirit together, one mala bead at a time.

Amandeep Kaur's journey from Ludhiana to Italy is one of courage and transformation - a story of holding on to one's roots while growing in a new land.

In 1940s Vancouver, a South Asian woman defies public backlash and confronts a city council meeting to fight for her right to purchase a home in a white neighborhood.

Swarn Singh Kahlon chronicles the extraordinary life of an 87-year-old Sikh man who has set foot in 81 countries across the globe. The author of three acclaimed volumes documenting the Sikh diaspora-covering Continental Europe, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America-Mr. Kahlon has spent a lifetime bearing witness to Sikh communities far from their homeland. He now turns his attention inward with his forthcoming book on Sikhs living across India outside of Punjab.