Why Sikhlens is more than just a film festival

What Is the Sikhlens Film Festival at Tagore Theatre: The Sikhlens: Sikh Arts and Film Festival is an annual cultural celebration that brings together cinema, heritage, community, and technology in a vibrant showcase of Sikh storytelling and creativity. In 2026, the festival was hosted at Tagore Theatre in Chandigarh, illuminating local audiences with films, art, discussions, and cultural exhibits. (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh )

Where and When It Happened: Held on 28 February 2026 at the iconic Tagore Theatre in Sector 18, Chandigarh, this full-day event ran from morning to evening with free entry for all. (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh )

A Global Celebration of Sikh Cinema: The festival screens films from around the world, offering audiences a chance to explore Sikh centred, diaspora, and culturally diverse stories through cinema. This edition featured over 25 films from six countries. (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh )

Cinema, Heritage and Technology Together: The festival blended cinematic storytelling with heritage exhibitions and modern technology displays, creating a space where traditional culture and contemporary media coexisted. (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh )

Cultural Performances and Opening Ceremony: The festival opened with cultural performances, including traditional music and ceremonial presentations, creating a celebratory atmosphere before the film screenings began. (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh )

Exhibitions and Artefacts: Alongside films, the festival featured exhibitions showcasing heritage artefacts, historical pieces, and contemporary art, offering a deeper look into the Sikh cultural narrative. (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh )

International Filmmaker Presence: Directors from countries including the US, UK, and Canada were present in Chandigarh, engaging with the audience and sharing insights into their work and cultural perspectives. (Source: Photo by Kamleshwar Singh )