Private Project

Maaso

Traditional fishing is all about patience and hard work. At a time when the dynamics of fishing are undergoing rapid change due to mechanisation and the use of technology, “Maaso” takes you back to how the craft was practiced by most in the past. This short documentary film provides a glimpse into a day in the life of an Indian fisherman in the Sindhudurg region of coastal Maharashtra, along the Arabian Sea.

  • Simit Bhagat
    Director
    In Search of Bidesia
  • Simit Bhagat Studios
    Producer
    In Search of Bidesia
  • Raju Das
    Sound Design
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes 47 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    July 15, 2021
  • Country of Origin:
    India
  • Country of Filming:
    India
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Simit Bhagat

Simit Bhagat is an award-winning, documentary filmmaker from Mumbai and founder of Simit Bhagat Studios, a creative agency for the third sector. In early 2019, Simit left his full-time job with an international NGO to pursue his creative calling. His first feature-length documentary film, “In Search of Bidesia”, captures the inspiration behind the work of Bhojpuri folk musicians, who hail from the hinterlands of India. It won the “Best Music Documentary” at the Royal Anthropological Film Festival 2021 in the United Kingdom.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

“Maaso” is the outcome of my frequent travels in Sindhudurg region from where my ancestors hail. The film was shot over two days in the quiet, coastal town of Vengurla. It reflects the life of the fisherfolk in this region.

The inspiration behind this film was the endless conversations over many cups of tea with the next generation from the fishing community. It didn’t surprise me that none of them wanted to continue in their father's footsteps.

Fishing as a profession has undergone drastic changes over the years. Over the last few years, fish catch on the west coast of India has been dwindling. It has greatly affected this small community, which continues to follow their traditional, sustainable practices. The toil is relentless, the returns are low.

The film captures the struggles of one fisherman while shedding light on the larger issues of sustainability, dwindling ecosystems, and struggling livelihoods.