Hands Across Time: Warnings from 2024
Hands Across Time explores the urgent challenges threatening traditional Indian handicrafts and the artisans who sustain them. Through the stories of craftspeople from Jaipur and Channapatna, the video sheds light on the fragility of these centuries-old practices in the face of globalization, mechanization, and cultural shifts.
As part of a speculative design project, this video serves as a powerful call to action, imagining a future where inaction leads to the loss of these invaluable crafts. It challenges viewers to reflect on their role in preserving this heritage and inspires collective efforts to support the resilience and evolution of Indian craftsmanship before it’s too late.
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Mahima SethiDirector
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Mahima SethiWriter
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Mahima SethiProducer
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Avaz MohammadKey Cast
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Sohail ParvezKey Cast
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Aditya KumawatVideographer
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Sumanth MSVideographer
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Subham BhakatEditor
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Project Type:Documentary, Short, Student
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Runtime:3 minutes 8 seconds
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Completion Date:November 25, 2024
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Production Budget:1,500 USD
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Country of Origin:India
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Country of Filming:India
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Language:Hindi
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:Yes - London College of Fashion
I am Mahima, an accessory designer and craft researcher driven by a passion for preserving traditional crafts and exploring their deep cultural significance. My work focuses on uncovering the stories of artisans and envisioning how our cultural heritage can adapt to a rapidly changing world while staying true to its roots.
As the director of Hands Across Time, I aimed to highlight the pressing challenges faced by India’s traditional handicrafts, with a focus on Jaipur’s lac bangles and Channapatna’s wooden toys. This project reveals the vulnerability of these crafts amidst globalization and mechanization while imagining a future where they can flourish through innovation and collective effort.
Through this work, my goal is to inspire reflection on the importance of preserving these priceless traditions and encourage action to ensure their resilience and continuity.