A couple of years ago, at the Oscars 2023, Indian filmmakers created history by bagging two Oscars. This was the first time Indian films had received the prestigious award. Out of the two, one was awarded to Guneet Monga Kapoor and Kartiki Gonsalves for their documentary film The Elephant Whisperers. From then, we haven’t seen a good enough documentary film from India that shone on a global level.
However, The Fisherman and The Banker is something that can break the streak with its high potential. It is the story of the struggle of an ancient fishing community in the Gulf of Kutch against one of the biggest organisations, the World Bank. The documentary is directed by Sheena Sumaria and has been produced by Guerrera Films. Though the origin country of the film is UK, everything in it from cast to crew to the plot and setting, are all Indian.
It took over a decade for the makers to make this film. The film is highly detailed and well researched. It talks of the struggle of fishermen from Kutch, Gujrat; who protested against the World Bank subsidiary International Finance Corporation (IFC) which provided a loan to Tata Mundra power plant despite knowing it to be a high-risk project. It explores how the case went to the US Supreme Court and how the fishermen were aided by Earth Rights International, an NGO, in their pursuit of justice.
The film was released in February this year in the US. Releasing directly in the US was very advantageous for the film as it could make a name in Hollywood directly. Also, the film, having originated in the UK, based on India and released in the US; has captured the audience of three countries instantly. Slowly it can spread globally as well. Being released in America will make it easier for the film to be featured, nominated or even win any of the prestigious film awards like the Oscar or Golden Globe. By being originated in the UK, it will officially be competing for the BAFTA as well.
In a nutshell, the film due to its origin, makers’ strategy and for the sensitive issue it addresses, becomes something that can prove to be of high potential. It can shine on the global level making the audience of various countries amazed over its genius.
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