This film was shot between 2014 and 2019 in the town of Zhili, a district of Huzhou City in Zhejiang province, China. Zhili is home to over 18,000 privately-run workshops producing children's clothes, mostly for the domestic market, but some also for export. The workshops employ around 300,000 migrant workers, chiefly from the rural provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou, Anhui, Jiangxi, Henan and Jiangsu.
The film is a reportage showing the help of workers from the GDR in the industrial reconstruction of Syria. We witness the friendly relationship between workers from both countries, who are jointly involved in the construction of the cotton spinning mill in Homs. In impressive pictures the exoticism of the environment and the mentality of the Syrian hosts is shown. At the same time it becomes clear that the workers from the GDR become 'ambassadors of the GDR' through their collegial behaviour and good work.
Traceable follows Laura Siegel, a fashion designer who takes a critical look at the fashion supply chain and fast fashion industry, travels through India in order to meet and work together with the artisans who create the majority of the clothing that we wear. The film explores our growing disconnect of how and who makes our clothing, thus instilling a need for traceability in the fashion industry.
WXXI captures the story of Rochester’s garment industry and the people who contributed to it in this documentary that showcases the rich history of Rochester’s clothing industry. From Michaels-Stern & Co. to the Button Factory, to Hickey Freeman, it tells of the clothiers who revolutionized the garment business and the immigrant workers who made Rochester a key player in the industry.
"Nisik Panguripan" (Sewing Life) follows the inspiring journey of Mustakim "Fendi," a man who opened a garment business in his village during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many businesses were forced to shut down and people lost their jobs, Fendi created employment opportunities by hiring local workers. This documentary highlights his resilience and commitment to his community, stitching together hope in challenging times.
A poor young man from New York's Lower East Side determines to overcome his status, and through hard work rises to become a power in the garment industry.
