Observing May Day with Movies

The White Tiger (2021)

Starring Adarsh Gourav, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Rajkumar Rao, this Netflix movie traces the life of a driver who starts his own taxi service by outwitting his employers. In a captivating tale of escaping poverty and reaching the pinnacle of success, the film explores the various dynamics associated with a low-paying job. It is based on the Booker Prize winning novel of the same name, and addresses class differences.

Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C. J. Walker(2020)

Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C. J. Walker (2020)

Based on the book, "On Her Own Ground", this four-episode Netflix series features Octavia Spencer as Madam C.J. Walker. It navigates through the journey of an African American washerwoman who eventually builds her own beauty empire. The series tells the inspirational story of how a black woman became a self-made millionaire in turn-of-the-century America, overcoming different obstacles along the way.

Sui Dhaaga: Made In India (2018)

Sui Dhaaga: Made In India (2018)

This film, directed by Sharat Katariya, revolves around Mauji (Varun Dhawan) and Mamta (Anushka Sharma), who start their own garment business after becoming jobless. In this heartwarming tale of pride and independence, the characters end up discovering their lost heritage and use their traditional art forms to build their own brand. It is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.

Machines

Machines (2017)

"Machines", a documentary, presents a close look into the lives of workers in a textile factory based in Gujarat, India. It showcases the everyday struggles of these people, as they work under poor conditions for minimal rewards. Available on Amazon Prime, this documentary takes viewers on a journey to explore the demands and hardships that exist as a result of unregulated industrialisation.

Made in Bangladesh

Made in Bangladesh (2019)

Directed by Rubaiyat Hossain, this film revolves around Shimu, a young girl who works at a clothing factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh. After a fire outbreak, she decides to start a union with her co-workers, despite threats from the management. She also intends to address ways in which her co-workers have been oppressed. This powerful film is currently available for rent at $ 2.99 on Amazon Prime.

The author is a freelance journalist, [email protected].