UDITA!

I wouldn't call it light viewing, but a documentary released in May has come across the Pier's News Desk that I think will be of interest. Udita is a film taking on the predicament of garment workers in Bangladesh, and their struggle to organise, unionise and get a fair deal for their work.

Udita (Bangladeshi for 'arise') follows a turbulent half decade in the lives of women on the front line in the garment workers struggle. From 2010, when organising in the workplace would lead to beatings, sacking and arrests, through the tragedies of Tazreen and Rana Plaza, through to the present day, when the long fight has begun to pay dividends. We see this vital period through the eyes of union members, workers and leaders.

Udita is the work of acclaimed activist documentary film-makers Rainbow Collective. It weaves the stories of people they have followed in earlier films like 'The Machinists' and 'Tears In The Fabric' with those of new characters. The narrative they create is compelling, moving and inspiring.

There's a real upsurge in films highlighting the struggles of garment workers and ethical fashion, but Udita is one that's worth checking out for its clear vision and obvious empathy with the people portrayed. Perhaps not the most unbiased of documentaries, but a little righteous anger against injustice never hurt.

Watch Udita in full below.