Ever wondered what impact a small piece of clothing has on the world? From that plum shirt dress you’ve had your eye on for weeks to that fabulous khakhi jumpsuit, you’ve been picturing hanging in your wardrobe, there’s a price to pay for everything. And we’re not talking merely about the money you part with at your favourite high street store. If you’re one of those people who love their fast fashion, then True Cost is a must watch.
Directed by Andrew Morgan and produced by Michael Ross, the documentary delves deep into the story behind how our clothes are made. We talk to associate producer Shamini Dhana, who will be present at the screening and discussion at Alliance Francaise on March 30.
“True Cost is a documentary about the hearts and hands behind the clothing industry and the true impact of the fashion industry on the workers along the way as well as the environment. One in six people on this planet work in the apparel industry which is also the second most polluting industry in the world after petroleum. The movie sheds light on intangible costs associated when producing a piece of garment; the exploitation of human workers and the increasing demand for fast fashion,” explains Dhana, who is based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Always captivated by nature and its many gifts; colours, texture, designs, symbiotic relationships and nutrition are a few things that really speak to her love for the great outdoors. “As a child growing up with a global mindset, I’ve always seen the interconnectedness between people and planet and hence the vital need to respect the elements associated with keeping the balance,” she states.
Talking about the film’s content, Dhana says, “Expect real raw footage of behind the scenes on the human supply chain in the apparel industry told through real stories of mother and child. The movie takes the consumer on a journey on how fast fashion came into style and questions the price of cheap fashion and who ultimately pays for it.”
The documentary has been filmed in countries across the globe, right from India and Bangladesh to Burma, London and China. Showcasing everything from the filthiest of slums to the glitziest of runways, the one-and-a-half-hour film features interviews with prominent names in the industry, like designer Stella McCartney and producer Livia Firth. “It is an opportunity to step back and rethink about our connection to people and the planet through a piece of clothing we place on ourselves every day. With this film, I hope that both brands and consumers realise that ‘We’re Wearin’ the World,” she says in conclusion.
