Brick kiln workers in India are faced with an agonising dilemma: choosing between their very lives and their means of survival. With a staggering population of 2.1 million workers across the country, they endure perilous working conditions, get underpaid and remain voiceless.
Originating from states such as Odisha, Punjab, Bihar, and Maharashtra, many of these workers find themselves trapped in debt bondage, while others are enticed into the industry by false promises of financial advances and improved livelihoods. Tragically, these assurances often lead to squalid living conditions and the constant threat of harm in the manufacturing process.
At Simit Bhagat Studios, our passion lies in harnessing the power of visual storytelling to shine a spotlight on pressing social issues.
We firmly believe that by showcasing the struggles faced by marginalised communities, we can foster awareness and ignite profound change.
We had the privilege of undertaking an independent project that delved into the daily trials of brick kiln workers in India. Despite being an integral part of the nation’s workforce, these labourers are too frequently overlooked and forgotten. Our objective was to highlight their plight and establish an empathetic connection with audiences through compelling storytelling.
To achieve this, we employed a variety of storytelling mediums, including a text-based video, illustrated story and a short animated video. By utilising diverse formats, we aimed to reach a broad audience and convey this powerful story in the most impactful way.
Throughout this project, we documented the living conditions and hardships faced by this transient population. Our goal was to evoke a deep emotional response from viewers, employing the language of visual storytelling to convey the workers’ struggles with utmost impact.
Our live-action video, accompanied by text-based storytelling, served as a poignant representation of the harsh realities these workers face. Drawing from our extensive in-house video library, we showcased the workers in their daily lives, providing viewers with a glimpse into their world. The text-based narration added an additional layer of depth and context, enabling viewers to gain a profound understanding of their challenges.
Watch the video: India’s brick kiln workers choose between life and livelihood.
In parallel, our illustrated story aimed to engage a wider audience and foster empathy for the workers. Through vibrant illustrations, we depicted their daily struggles and moments of triumph, capturing the essence of their existence. This medium enabled us to forge a connection with viewers, eliciting strong emotions and encouraging empathy.
Our goal was to evoke a deep emotional response from viewers, employing the language of visual storytelling to convey the workers’ struggles with utmost impact.
Check out the illustrated story of ‘India’s brick kiln workers choosing between life and livelihood’ here
Undoubtedly, this project presented an extraordinary opportunity for us to leverage our visual storytelling expertise, raising awareness of the challenges faced by brick kiln workers in India.
We fervently hope that such compelling narratives will invigorate advocacy efforts by organisations and individuals alike, inspiring decisive action and heralding meaningful change.
Client: Independent Project
Discipline: Films and Photography
Director and Editor: Simit Bhagat
Illustrations: Kumar Shradhesh Nayak
