Kanchivaram

In Hinduism, silk represents the highest degree of purity, reserved for use twice in one's life – in marriage and in death. Vendagam, an unassuming weaver, lives a modest life in Tamil, a town known for its sumptuous saris. The historical backdrop is the 1940s and, even though change is coming quickly to India in the form of independence, the town and Vendagam's role as weaver still reflect the centuries-old social structure. The film opens with real-time narrative and a series of flashbacks that glimpse Vengadam's progressing life. When his daughter is born he dreams of giving her the greatest of gifts for her wedding day – weaving her the finest sari. To accomplish this, he must steal one piece of silk from his weaving work each day. As the story follows Vendagam on his quest, it broadens to present the forces shaping India's future, reflecting the weaver's growing dissatisfaction with the existing social norms and working conditions. KANCHIVARAM is a visually compelling look at the progressive history of India told through the eyes of storyteller Vendagam. (In Tamil with English subtitles) – C.C.P.