The short documentary, directed by Sunitha CV, gives us an insight into how Rajamma’s livelihood has been affected by policies and situations that are not in her hands.
21 Hours review: Meaningful look at a day in the life of a Kerala fisherwoman
Cinestaan Rating
Release Date: 2020 / 28min
Sonal Pandya | Mumbai, 14 Mar 2021 15:27 IST
The title of Sunitha CV’s short documentary comes from the number of hours Kerala fisherwoman Rajamma puts into each day to earn and survive. After a long day’s hard work she is barely able to sustain herself, and yet she perseveres.
Rajamma’s day begins at the ungodly hour of 3am and ends at midnight. The 50-year-old buys fish directly, travelling all the way to Thoothukkudy (Tuticorin) harbour, Tamil Nadu, from Trivandrum, Kerala, and sells fresh fish to her customers on a streetside. She has been doing so for 15 years after facing hardships for years.
As one of the few women working in a man's world, she has faced both intimidation and discrimination, yet she never gave up. By now her children have all established themselves in different careers, but Rajamma continues this life as it is all she knows.
21 Hours exposes how fishing communities have been left behind in the race for globalization. The documentary notes how much of the fish caught is sent out for export and how diminishing marine resources, a competitive market and lack of employment opportunities have made the lives of people like Rajamma harder.
The resolute fisherwoman is tough as nails, though she breaks a bit while recounting her hardships of the past. However, her don’t-give-up attitude on life is admirable. Agin Basanth’s camera captures this and the bustling life of the market in all its crazy, chaotic glory.
Sunitha CV’s 21 Hours highlights one of many such lives affected by constant development and the continued depletion of resources. Yes, Rajamma is a success story, for now, but her struggles will continue if we don’t think of the little guy and continue to patronize larger corporations.
21 Hours is being screened as part of the Community and Sustenance section of the Rising Gardens Film Festival from 12–15 March 2021.