The Golden Thread

Outside Kolkata, a few jute mills crank on, virtually unchanged since the Industrial Revolution. Powered by steam and sweat, work is a dance to the rhythms of the century-old machines. The film follows the weft and warp of jute work, weaving the ‘fibre of the future’ with the dreams and desperations of its workers.  

'I've used the concept of 'multiple pluralism' approaching the film from many sides to create a multi-layered picture of the century-old jute factories and the surrounding townships. When the relentless mechanical activity comes to a standstill, even if briefly, it releases the despairs or dreams of the workers, but not without humour or surprise. And we are left with images of sheer tenacity, dignity and resourcefulness of the working class. This is my cinematic ode to the unsung heroes who have built our nation, but today they are forgotten, discarded just as the eco-friendly jute fibre which they weave into textiles for our sustainable living.' - Nishtha JAIN