The Story Behind Sikhlens
Sikhlens was founded in Southern California after 9/11. We share Sikh stories through film, festivals, education, publishing, and the arts.
Our Mission
Sikhlens shares Sikh stories with the world through film, festivals, education, publishing, and the arts.
Sikhlens was founded in Southern California after 9/11. Sikhs were being misidentified and targeted. Most Americans had never been shown Sikh life except in a news clip. Satinder "Bicky" Singh's answer was not a press release. It was film.
Sikhlens is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We share Sikh heritage through documentary films, youth storytelling, books, scholarships, and festivals. We produce and support documentaries so Sikh stories can reach people who may never have encountered them. Every project answers one question: can the world meet Sikhs through their own voices?
Our Story
Founded after 9/11. Still doing the work.
Twenty-five years on, the mission has not changed. The tools have grown. Sikhlens now produces and supports documentaries, hosts festivals on several continents, trains young people to shoot and edit, publishes books and art calendars, and partners with universities, including Chapman University film students who travel abroad to make Sikh-themed films.
- ›Destination S — Feature-length documentary production
- ›Community Voices — Nonprofit-funded short films on Sikh service
- ›Digital Voice — Media literacy and filmmaking education for youth
- ›Sikhlens-In-A-Box — Mini festivals brought to venues worldwide
- ›Animations — Sikh history and culture told through animation
- ›Chapman University Partnership — Graduate-level film production collaboration
“Sikhlens gives the world an opportunity to understand Sikh culture through the universal language of film.”
Satinder "Bicky" Singh, Founder
Where We Work
Festivals and Screenings Worldwide
Six annual festivals: Orange County and Los Angeles, Seattle, Chandigarh, Leicester, the Greater Toronto Area, and Vancouver. Sikhlens-In-A-Box brings screenings to community venues, including the Bay Area, Yuba City, Central California, Chicago, Denver, New York, London, New Delhi, Singapore, Malaysia, and other communities.
Annual Festivals
- Orange County and Los Angeles
- Seattle
- Chandigarh
- Leicester
- Greater Toronto Area
- Vancouver
Sikhlens-In-A-Box Cities
- Bay Area
- Yuba City
- Central California
- Chicago
- Denver
- New York
- London
- New Delhi
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Other communities
Our Work
Explore our programs and initiatives advancing Sikh arts, culture, and education.
See our programs →Our Impact
See the reach and outcomes of our films, festivals, and educational programs worldwide.
View our impact →Annual Reports
Read each year's letter on the films, festivals, and the rest of the work.
Read the reports →Our Team
Bicky Singh
Founder & Executive Director
Get Involved
Want to help tell the next story?
Volunteer, submit a film, or partner with us. The work grows when more people show up.
Get Involved