Itta Bhatta, The Killing Kiln selected for England’s film festival

By Dhirendra Prasad Shah,Janakpur, July 26: The short documentary ‘Itta Bhatta, The Killing Kiln,’ based on the plight of brick kiln workers in Nepal’s rural areas, has been selected for a film festival in England. This marks the film’s second international selection.

The 15-minute documentary has been nominated at the Rural Action Film Festival in England.

According to its producer, Suresh Mukhiya, the film will be screened during the festival, scheduled for the first week of August.

The documentary artistically presents issues such as air pollution, worker exploitation, child labour, and social inequality associated with brick kiln industries deeply rooted in the Tarai region of Nepal.  Written and directed by Suresh Mukhiya, the film captures the harsh realities of brick kiln labourers’ daily lives and their environmental impacts.

Mukhiya said that the film was made after spending three months closely observing and living with brick kiln workers to authentically portray their lives on camera. The documentary highlights the environmental consequences of kiln operations and the daily suffering of the surrounding communities.

“The smoke and dust from these kilns, even in small amounts, can make life difficult,” he said. “Now, imagine a scenario where entire villages have existed around these kilns for years. Children born there take their first breath in an environment filled with harmful smoke and dust.”

Mukhiya said that the film was made with the intention of giving voice to their suffering, sparking conversations, and contributing to building a healthier environment. “This is a small but essential effort,” he added.

The documentary features dust-covered fields, rivers, and settlements of the Tarai, with visuals of labourers working, children coughing while lifting bricks, and smoke-filled kitchens, aiming to emotionally impact the audience.

The film raises critical issues of social justice, labour rights, and environmental awareness. It seeks to compel not only viewers but also policymakers to reflect. 

 Mukhiya said, “This is not just a documentary, it’s a representative voice for those who have been ignored for decades. It opens doors for international dialogue.”

The documentary was first officially selected and premiered at Nepal Rural Film Festival 2081 held in Ramechhap district, and was also selected and screened at the Canada-Nepal Mountain Film Festival 2024, held in Biratnagar, Koshi Province, from July 2 to 3, said Mukhiya.