AMRITSAR: To promote Sikh history and culture, the first-ever Sikh film festival will be organised at Amritsar in the beginning of next year, that is 2009, which will be dedicated to the 300th celebrations of Gurta Gurgaddi Diwas of Guru Granth Sahib.

Describing the festival as a step towards promoting of Sikh religious history which is replete with valour and supreme sacrifices of Sikh Gurus and their disciples, Mangal Dhillon, renowned actor, writer, producer and director, said he was in touch with private corporate and media companies for sponsoring the festival. About seven films highlighting Sikh religion and culture would be showcased during the festival, he added.

Dhillon, who made a niche for himself by producing and directing a number of documentaries on Sikhism, was here to announce the launch of yet another docu-drama, “Sarb Rog Ka Aukhad Naam,” to be released in January next year. He had earlier produced and directed “Khalsa”, “Parkash Ton Parkash Tak”, “Parkash Sri Guru Granth Sahib,” “Sikh Ate Dastar” and “Sarvnash”.

Talking about his recent docu-drama, he said the main aim of the film, which was shot at the Golden Temple, Amritsar, Ludhiana and Chandigarh, was to prove that Gurbani and hymns of Guru Granth Sahib had the power to cure all diseases. He said the film contained interviews of doctors, engineers, politicians in India and abroad who were cured of serious ailments. Dhillon termed the production of this film as his biggest achievement.

About his upcoming documentaries, Dhillon said “Saka Sarhind,” depicting the martyrdom of four Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh, “A Western Tribute to Sikhism,” representing foreigners who adopted Sikh religion, and “Suneha-a Message,” were other projects which were in the pipeline.

Talking to this correspondent, Dhillon said he would like to do commercial cinema only if his talent was utilised. Although he had been getting calls from reputed productions houses like Balaji, he was happy producing films and doing theatre until he got a powerful role.

He said in view of more film industry people coming to Punjab, especially Amritsar, the government should develop more tourist spots to develop the tourism industry.