Winning the New York International Film Award for my documentary, “India’s Treasures,” in the best student film category is an incredible and humbling experience-Rhea Bakshi
Here’s the full Q & A:
1.To start things off, can you talk a little bit about your growing up years?
My childhood was a wonderful tapestry of memories woven with the threads of nature, music, art, and family bonds. I spent my early years in New Delhi where the gentle rustle of leaves and the cheerful melodies of folk songs were the soundtrack of my upbringing.
My grandparents played an instrumental role in shaping my early experiences. My grandmother is a nurturing soul with a green thumb that seemed to work magic on every plant she touched. As a child the best part of my day was walking with her in the park and running around just in her presence. She would often tell me about her stories of her childhood in Jaipur and we would often visit. When I visited I was enchanted by the immense silver jewellery present in front of me.
My grandfather, on the other hand, was a walking treasure trove of folk wisdom and enchanting stories. He had an uncanny ability to make even the most ordinary of walks through the park feel like a grand expedition. Those park escapades became a cherished tradition, where we’d run around like spirited exlorers, discovering hidden nooks and crannies that held stories of their own.
My parents were a constant source of love, guidance, and inspiration. Their unwavering support and nurturing presence added another layer of warmth to my formative years. The foundation of love and respect they provided in our home taught me the importance of empathy, hard work, and a willingness to explore the world with an open heart.
2.Your documentary India’s Treasures was awarded at the New York International Film Award in the best student film category. How does it feel ?
Winning the New York International Film Award for my documentary, “India’s Treasures,” in the best student film category is an incredible and humbling experience. It’s a validation of the countless hours of dedication and hard work that went into creating the film, as well as a recognition of the importance of the subject matter it addresses.
For me, this award holds immense personal significance. It’s a testament to my passion for storytelling and my commitment to shedding light on the lesser-known aspects of our world. The recognition from such a prestigious platform encourages me to continue exploring and sharing stories that matter, stories that have the potential to impact hearts and minds.
However, even more importantly, this award shines a spotlight on the artisans and their incredible craftsmanship that is showcased in the documentary. “India’s Treasures” isn’t just about filmmaking; it’s about giving a voice to those who often go unheard. The artisans featured in the film are the true heroes, the custodians of centuries-old traditions and skills that are at risk of fading away in the face of modernization.
This award amplifies the artisans’ voices, allowing their stories, struggles, and contributions to be recognized on a global stage. It raises awareness about the intricate art form they practice, the cultural heritage they preserve, and the challenges they face in an ever-changing world. Their skills are not just products of creativity; they are vessels of history, carrying the legacy of generations before them.
In the end, while the award is an affirmation of my efforts, it is the artisans’ stories and their invaluable contributions that truly deserve the spotlight
3.What were some of the drivers that led you to such an unconventional and cool career?
Embarking on a career in unconventional and unique fields often stems from a combination of personal passion, curiosity, and a desire to make a meaningful impact. In my case, several driving factors led me to develop an interest in filmmaking and documenting the lives of silver jewelry artisans in Jaipur through an economic angle.
1. Passion for Visual Storytelling: From a young age, I was drawn to the power of visual storytelling. I loved the idea of using images, sounds, and narratives to transport audiences to different worlds, evoke emotions, and shed light on underrepresented stories. This passion naturally led me toward the medium of filmmaking.
2. Personal Connection: Sometimes, a personal connection or experience drives us to explore certain subjects. I had a family connection to jewellery-making and had visited Jaipur and been captivated by the artisans’ work. Personal connections can fuel a strong sense of purpose and drive in pursuing a specific career path.
3. Global Perspective: The world is increasingly interconnected, and unconventional careers often involve addressing global issues or showcasing local stories with universal themes. Exploring the lives of artisans in Jaipur through documentary filmmaking could resonate with people from various corners of the globe.
4.Tell us a bit more about your documentary India’s Treasures?
“India’s Treasures”isanintimatejourneyintotheenchantingworldofoneofIndia’s centuries-old traditional art forms – handmade silver jewellery – adorned by the royalties across all continents.
Presented through the eyes of a young Indian 17-year old girl, the documentary travels through the magical Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and narrow lanes of old Delhi to embrace artists’ lives and showcase their pride, , sacrifice and passion while creating and preserving India’s distinct identity. The viewers will witness first-hand – the impact and contribution of these self- employed artists, especially women. They will discover the duality of globalisation, mass- manufacturing and e-commerce platforms on this noble art form and the promise it holds for the next generation.
The documentary is triggered with the Prime Minister’s Narendra Modi’s mission of inclusive economic growth, necessary to realise his vision of making India the world’s third-largest economy. It emphasizes the need to protect and celebrate these artisans – the true treasures of India’s heritage – underscoring the power of sustainable development where everyone can contribute and earn with fair and equal access to resources and opportunities.
Set in India, where the handicraft sector plays a vital role in driving the economy, employing over 7 million artisans and impacting the livelihoods of over 200 million people; the documentary opens with the introduction of the PM Modi’s Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana, presented in the 2023 economic budget, with the aim to boost artisans’ livelihood through small loans and financial incentives, access to technology and institutional support.
The director and creator Rhea Bakshi, an ardent admirer of the traditional handmade silver jewellery, documents the diverse jewellery-making styles, unique to varied Indian geographies, including Orissa’s fine filigree work, Jaipur’s art of enamelling and the setting of semi-precious stones in Old Delhi. During her travels, she meets Sudhir Kasliwal, proud owner of Gem Palace, founded in 1852 and regarded as one of India’s oldest jewellery stores located in Jaipur. He showcases exceptional antique silver pieces and emphasizes the need to recognize artisans’ hard work by giving them more respect and visibility.
Rhea’s journey leads her to the collective Dastkar, which supports traditional Indian craftsfolks. Through Dastkar, she meets Mukesh, a national award-winning craftsman specializing in meenakari, a traditional style of jewellery-making originated in Persia. Mukesh preserves the centuries-old generational practice of meenakari and explains the intricate process that each piece goes through. Rakesh Soni, one of Mukesh’s artisans, shares concerns about the future of this craftsmanship, as challenges like delay in payments and decreasing income affecting investment rollover.
The film brings forth stories of hope, abundant change and promise. One such story revolves around filigree, an ancient art form native to eastern Odisha. Avinash, belonging to this declining community of such artisan families, now practices this fine form of artistry with utmost dedication in Khunti, Jharkhand.
It introduces inspiring stories of inclusive economic growth, a mission close to Rhea’s mission. Antiquariat, a major retailer based in Jaipur, showcases its commitment to provide income stability and respect for artisans and their families. The Princess Diya Kumari Foundation (PDKF) in Jaipur is empowering disadvantaged women facing cultural and economic barriers through skill-building, offering them a path to a better future. The foundation has trained over a thousand women artisans and employs more than 200 women in their 7 centers in Rajasthan. The women artisans detail how working at PDKF has transformed their lives, empowering them to financially contribute to their families well-being, including: paying for their children’s education, purchasing household appliances and even gifting their spouses on special occasions.
In her conversations with according to veteran journalist Jagmohan and retailers in Jaipur’s Johari Bazaar, Rhea delves into the artisans’ predicament with e-commerce, viewed as the future. Online retail can create a more direct and fair supply chain for artisans, removing intermediary barriers. Despite the unlimited opportunities of online commerce, it sheds light on the unique, but solvable, barriers such as branding, pricing and listing faced by the small- scale manufacturers and artisans. She spots Etsy, a NASDAQ-listed global marketplace and its partnership with Samhita Social Ventures to support 25,000 small sellers and artisans across India. She interviews Pankaj Jathar, Etsy’s Vice President & Country Head, to explain how the direct-to-consumer (D2C) model is benefitting small-scale manufacturers and artisans.
A class 12 economics student, in her first documentary Rhea also discusses microcredit facility as an amazing solution, as seen in Dilshad and Nazneen’s story in Jaipur, where they used the small bank loans to re-establish their lives. The film concludes with the artisans’ deep desire to continue their age-held craft and the expectation of a secure future for their children. Through it, Rhea highlights the irreplaceable value of Indian craftsmanship and the need to celebrate and promote it on a global scale, and its significance for India’s cultural, societal and economic growth.
5.Documentary filmmaking is an act of courage and a laborious job, so what keeps you motivated?
Indeed, documentary filmmaking can be a challenging and labor-intensive endeavor.
The heart of this documentary beats with the rhythm of India’s artistic legacy, one that stretches back centuries, embodying the spirit of a nation and the stories of countless artisans. In the face of a rapidly globalizing world, where mass manufacturing and e-commerce platforms dominate, this documentary stands as a testament to the resilience of age-old craftsmanship. It explores the delicate dance between tradition and progress, between the intricate touch of a skilled artisan and the digital age’s limitless possibilities.
My motivation lies in the belief that this documentary holds the power to provoke thought, to incite dialogue, and to inspire action. By bringing these narratives to the forefront, we strive to catalyze a movement that not only safeguards our artistic heritage but also propels it into a future where it can thrive, adapt, and flourish. The documentary embodies the spirit of advocacy, as it unites the voices of those who dedicate their lives to their craft and those who appreciate the beauty of the handmade in a world of mass-produced goods.
The documentary is a conduit for change, a channel through which the rich tapestry of India’s cultural, societal, and economic growth is woven.
The profound motivation behind this documentary project is intricately woven with my grandmother’s deep-rooted connection to Jaipur and the captivating world of silver jewelry. My grandmother, my favorite person, possessed an enchanting bond with both the city and the art form that transcended time and distance.
Her tales of Jaipur, a city known for its vibrant culture and history, resonated with me since childhood. Her eyes would light up as she recounted her visits to its bustling markets, where the air was infused with the scent of spices and the streets were lined with treasures from artisans’ hands
My grandmother’s stories and her cherished jewelry became a bridge between generations, a thread that connected her past to my present and, I hoped, to the future of these artisans’ craft. The documentary seeks to honor the legacy she cherished, and through her eyes, I view this project as a tribute to the beauty, resilience, and craftsmanship that both she and the artisans of Jaipur embodied.
6.The new generation of documentary directors is making artistically inclined movies and doing fascinating things. What are your views on this?
The emergence of a new generation of documentary directors who are creating artistically inclined and captivating films is both exciting and essential for the evolution of the genre. These filmmakers are pushing the boundaries of traditional documentary filmmaking, infusing their work with creativity, innovation, and a fresh perspective, fostering a dynamic landscape that celebrates both storytelling and artistic expression. This evolution is essential to keep the genre relevant and engaging for diverse audiences.
7.Being a filmmaker needs a lot of expertise and patience because one has to handle everything all around. Tell us more about the process?
Absolutely, being a filmmaker is a multi-faceted and intricate journey that demands a diverse range of skills, meticulous planning, and unyielding patience. It had a lot of processes such as idea generation, pre production, script writing,actually filming, then working on the sound and design and VFK+Colour correction. Lastly, Engaging with the audience is essential for a film’s success.
8.What projects are you working on next and what kind of films would you like to make in future?
I am not looking on any other projects right now till I can make a real impact in the artisans’ lives. However, if I find a thought in the future I may make a documentary if need be.
