Discover the decline of Bengal's jute industry and its deep historical ties with our region in this fascinating documentary.
Synopsis
Delve into Bengal's disappearing jute industry with Nishtha Jain's mesmerising documentary. The Golden Thread beautifully captures the arduous journey of jute production, from riverside reed cutting to the rhythmic clatter of century-old looms in historical mills – machinery originally built in Dundee. This serves as a poignant reminder of our region's historical ties to the jute trade. This film is not just a recounting of history; it's a cinematic tribute to the workers whose lives are as richly woven as the golden threads they produce.
Amid the striking visuals emerges a pressing plea for sustainability, as this eco-friendly alternative to plastic faces an uncertain future due to dwindling state support. As the mills close, the fate of the dedicated workers hangs in the balance. Don’t miss this captivating opening night premiere—a testament to our region's rich history and a probing look at resilience in the face of change.
Director: Nishtha Jain | Countries: India/Bosnia-Herzegovina/Netherlands/Norway/UK | Running Time: 86 min | Languages: Bengali and Hindi with English subtitles
Screening Details
- Festival Screening: 15 September 2023 (Opening Night)
- Premiere: UK Premiere
- Festival Guests: Filmmaker Nishtha Jain and Mel Ruth Oakley, Collections Curator for Dundee Heritage Trust
