Tana Bana, a documentary exploring Muslim silk weavers of the Ganges, will be released in Dublin’s Irish Film Institute (IFI) this Friday, October 9th.
The documentary looks at Varanasi on the Ganges, famous for its Muslim silk weavers whose lives are closely interwoven with that of their Hindu neighbours. For over a thousand years the skills of their trade have passed from one generation to the next. Now, however, facing globalisation and computerisation (with one automated machine doing the work of many men), thousands of small businesses are closing down. Loosely structured as a day in the life of Varanasi, the film presents a rich tapestry of characters, from intractable Hindu traders to smart young schoolgirls (who challenge prevailing Western attitudes to Muslim tradition) and many weavers in between. This quiet, lushly hued portrait of a threatened community is underpinned by the political interrogation that we have come to expect from one of Ireland’s most respected directors.
Directed by Pat Murphy (Nora), it was produced by Murphy and Rachel Lysaght for Underground Films. It was funded by Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board, Simon Cumbers Fund, Shoot for the Moon and Screen Scene.
The opening night screening at 6.30pm will be followed by a Q&A session with Pat Murphy. Tickets for Tana Bana can be booked at http://www.ifi.ie/film/tana-bana.