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.
Brick kiln workers endure perilous working conditions, get underpaid and remain voiceless.
At Simit Bhagat Studios, our passion lies in harnessing the power of visual storytelling to shine a spotlight on pressing social issues. 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.
Brick kiln workers are too frequently overlooked and forgotten.
To achieve this, we employed a variety of storytelling mediums, including a text-based video, illustrated story and photographs. By utilising diverse formats, we aimed to reach a broad audience and convey this powerful story in the most impactful way.
Watch the video: India’s brick kiln workers choose between life and livelihood.
Throughout this project, we documented the living conditions and hardships faced by this transient population. 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.
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 sincerely hope these stories will encourage both organisations and individuals to speak up, take action, and help bring about real, positive change.
Check out the illustrated story of ‘India’s brick kiln workers choosing between life and livelihood’ here
Client: Independent Project
Discipline: Films and Photography
Director and Editor: Simit Bhagat
Illustrations: Kumar Shradhesh Nayak
