In his viral Oxford speech, Shashi Tharoor reminded us that the British built India’s much-vaunted railways for themselves – not for us. That’s true, but in this series of BBC documentaries, we see the effect that they had on Indian lives and under our governance. They chart the paths of three historic train lines in South Asia, and the people they connect across troubled borders: the Maitree Express, the first passenger train to run between India and Bangladesh since the 1971 war; a neglected and soon-to-close train line between small towns in India and Nepal; and the Samjhauta Express, which travels between India and Pakistan. Each episode focuses on individuals whose families, work, and histories have been affected by the revival or loss of these trains.
Available to view on YouTube:
My Sister Laxmi
My Sister Laxmi
Gautam Singh’s harrowing short documentary series follows Marappa, a 12-year-old Bengaluru boy, in his brave search for his missing younger sister, Laxmi. He and Laxmi suffered an abusive and tragic childhood; after their father died, leaving the young Marappa with his debt, the two escaped their home to live on the streets. Soon after, Laxmi would disappear. Al Jazeera brings its investigative strengths to the underreported story of missing children in India.
Available to view on YouTube:
Still from The True Cost
The True Cost
Earlier this year, John Oliver reminded us of who suffers when we pay a pittance for a pair of jeans from Forever 21. The True Cost, directed by Andrew Morgan, is a documentary that trains a critical eye on where the supply chain for fast fashion originates. It delves even further into the human and environmental impact of mass clothing production. The film released earlier this year and is available to rent or buy internationally on iTunes, VHX, and DVD.
Amy, Asif Kapadia’s documentary about the very public life and hardships of Amy Winehouse, premiered to raves at Cannes this May. The singer became as famous for her addictions – all documented by tabloids – as for her undulating, whisky-and-cigarettes voice, and tragically, they led to her young death. The film made an unexpected entry into Indian theatres in July. It’s sadly no longer showing, but you can pre-order it on iTunes to see Winehouse in all her bat-eyeliner and beehive-hair glory.
Available to pre-order on iTunes
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By Simran Bhalla July 27th, 2015
