LP
Three Folds of the Same Silk
Narrative Documentary on the bond of South Asian women through a single fabric that spans generations
Revolving around the art and tradition of the South Asian fashion staple that is the Sari, it is often overlooked how much intricate workmanship and skill has gone into the fabric.
Likewise the art of how to dress in a Sari has a lot of cultural connotations and there are many ways of wearing one that represent different cultures across the South Asian spectrum.
Three Folds of the Same Silk uses this beauty of 9 yards of fabric draped in a specific way as a reflection of the bond between mothers and daughters through generations, even as tastes and outlooks change with time and age, the underlying roots that weave between one family remain the same.
This short narrative driven documentary seeks to showcase that bond whilst also showing the melting pot of cultures and tradition that embodies the South Asian diaspora.
Behind the Scenes on Production
Araliya: Lost in a sea of colour...
Having worked in unscripted production I've seen first hand the lack of variety in the representation of South Asian narratives still prevalent in the UK specifically South Asian women. This film seeks to provide voices to women across three generations and explores three strands of identity that run along side each other.
Firstly is the bond that is weaved through the the art of Sari draping and the intricate workmanship and skill that have gone into the fabric as well as the tradition of how one is worn. As the fabrics are only made and brought over from India - the journey of any one Sari mirrors that of many of the asian diaspora who have built a community around it in this country.
A country within a city...
The second narrative is that of the community integrated here in the UK between South Asians and the English. Through the need of providing their own markets and shops there are whole high streets in cities and towns that feel like they belong in entirely different countries and this short aims to explore that through the visuals of locations that truly show the melting pot that is Great Britain.
Three generations:
And finally the film ties everything together through the root story of a Grandmother who arrived here from Sri-Lanka, her daughter who spent her formative years growing up in the UK, and a grand-daughter who has never known the country which holds the roots of her heritage, this film seeks to combine these three perspectives in a way we haven't seen before on screen.
Vipuli - ආච්චි ("Achchi" meaning Grandmother
Vipuli grew up in Sri-Lanka where she learned everything about Sari draping and the work involved in creating these fabrics from her mother, a seamstress. Having lost her mother at an early age, the skills and teachings passed down to her keep the memory of her mother alive within every Sari she drapes, both for herself and the many others who come to her to dress in one. She moved to England in the early 90's with her husband and daughter to seek new adventures. When her Granddaughter shows an interest in Saris she is delighted to guide her through the world and culture that she holds so dear to her heart.
Listen to a short interview with Vipuli describing her roots and relationship with Sari fashion
Radhini - මව ("Amma" meaning Mother
Radhini spent the first five years of her life in Colombo, Sri Lanka before moving to Alverston village in the Midlands before moving to Hertfordshire. Though she has childhood memories of heat and spice her childhood was a mix of Sri Lankan culture at home and rural British society outside of it, with her mother her only real link to home. Now a mother herself Radhini looks onward at her own daughters experiences and how she might be able to keep the memories of the land she was born in her blossoming child.
Araliya - අරලිය මල (Temple Flower)
Like all children Araliya is fuelled by a burning curiosity, one that is stoked even further when she stumbles upon her mother being draped in a Sari by her grandmother. This sets off a journey through a culture and community within the South Asian diaspora that she is yet to feel a part of and to find that connection within herself.