On Saturday, we had the privilege of screening Mother Kili at the SikhLens Arts & Film Festival in Leicester.
To see our film included alongside such an incredible programme of storytellers, filmmakers, artists, historians and changemakers was truly special. SikhLens has built a reputation for celebrating stories that inspire, educate and connect communities and we were honoured to be part of this year’s festival.
For those who haven’t seen it, Mother Kili tells the story of the first all South Asian women’s team to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. What began as a mountain-climbing expedition became something far bigger: a story about courage, identity, representation, resilience and the power of women supporting one another.
As the film played, I found myself watching the audience as much as the screen. There were moments of laughter, moments of silence, and moments where you could feel people connecting deeply with the stories being shared.
One of the greatest gifts of screening a film is hearing what people take away from it afterwards.
Throughout the day, audience members approached us to share their reflections. Some spoke about seeing themselves represented in a way they rarely had before. Others shared how the film had inspired them to think differently about their own potential and what might be possible for them. Many commented on the strength, vulnerability and honesty shown by the women in the film.
What struck me most was how universal the themes of Mother Kili have become. While the story centres South Asian women, its message resonates far beyond our community. The fears we face, the limits we place on ourselves, the courage required to take the first step, and the power of sisterhood are experiences that connect us all.
The Q&A after the screening gave us the opportunity to share more about the journey behind the film: the challenges of bringing the project to life, the fundraising, the logistics, the emotional highs and lows, and the lessons we learned along the way. It was a reminder that the summit was never really the mountain. The summit was discovering what we were capable of when we stopped waiting to feel ready.
I want to thank the entire SikhLens team for creating such a fantastic platform for storytelling and cultural celebration. The warmth, hospitality and professionalism shown throughout the festival were exceptional. Events like this matter because they preserve our stories, celebrate our heritage and create opportunities for meaningful conversations across generations.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who came to watch Mother Kili. Thank you for your kind words, thoughtful questions and generous support. Every screening reminds us why we made this film in the first place.
The mountain may have been climbed, but the journey continues.
And if even one person leaves feeling braver than when they arrived, then every step was worth it.
You can watch the film on Amazon Prime now
