Handmade Future Documentary Spotlights Global Artisans' Economic Struggles
Kirsten Dickerson's documentary, Handmade Future, explores the challenges that traditional craftsmen face globally due to financial strains. Among those spotlighted is Irfan Ali, a marble inlay craftsman from Agra, India, whose elaborate creations require three months to produce but sell for only $50 after costs. The film also features basket weavers from Kenya’s Taita Hills, including Judith Mwazighe and Agripin Marura, who started the Mrurunyika Basket Weavers group in 2012. Additional artisans presented include rugmakers from Morocco and broom-makers from the US. Profits will aid Dickerson's non-profit, Artist & Nomad, with screenings planned across several countries.
Key facts
- Handmade Future is directed by Kirsten Dickerson.
- The documentary features artisans in six countries: India, Morocco, US, UK, Kenya, and Mexico.
- Irfan Ali is a marble-inlay master in Agra, India, with 40 years of experience.
- Ali's plate with 5,000 inlaid stones took over three months to complete.
- A gift shop would sell Ali's piece for around $3,000, but he nets about $50 after expenses.
- Judith Mwazighe is a weaver from the Neema Manganga Cooperative in Kenya.
- Agripin Marura is a mother of four in Taita Hills, Kenya, who joined the Mrurunyika Basket Weavers group in 2012.
- Lore Defrancq co-founded Hadithi Crafts in April 2014 in Tsavo, Kenya.
- Hadithi Crafts supports 1,902 female artisans and 64 active women's groups.
- Tahir Ahmed leads Agra Heritage Walks, taking visitors to artisans' homes.
- UNESCO is working with inlay workers in Agra through its World Heritage, Sustainable Development and Local Communities Programme.
- Proceeds from Handmade Future will go to Artist & Nomad, Dickerson's organization.
- Handmade Future has screenings in the UK, Ireland, Portugal, Australia, and the US.
Entities
Artists
- Irfan Ali
- Judith Mwazighe
- Agripin Marura
- Kenza Oulghada
- Lore Defrancq
- Tahir Ahmed
- Kirsten Dickerson
Institutions
- Taj Mahal
- Agra Heritage Walks
- Neema Manganga Cooperative
- Mrurunyika Basket Weavers
- Tithrite Cooperation
- Hadithi Crafts
- Artist & Nomad
- UNESCO
- The Art Newspaper
Locations
- Uttar Pradesh
- India
- Agra
- Taita Hills
- Kenya
- Morocco
- High Atlas Mountains
- Tsavo
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Portugal
- Australia