About
Ahmed’s idyllic life as a nomadic camel-herder is turned upside down when grazing land is sold to private corporations, and he has to choose between keeping his traditional livelihood or modernising with the times.
In the desert lands of Western India, against the backdrop of a rapidly industrialising country, the charming and charismatic family of Ahmed, Sakina and their five children are forced to give up their traditional way of life as nomadic camel-herders and adapt to a ‘settled’ existence as daily labourers, spending their days loading carts of sand in the pursuit of a few hundred rupees. .
In a story that spans over five years, this film invites the viewer to breathe the same air as the camel-herders of Kutch, whose future is being suffocated by our rapidly modernising world.
Why you need to watch this film
This film offers an immersive, artistic experience that takes you deep into the world of nomadic camel-herders. It’s a refreshing departure from typical portrayals, avoiding exoticism and “othering” in favour of an authentic and respectful representation. If you’re passionate about nomadic cultures, India, pastoralism, or the environment, this documentary is a must-see.
At a time when we urgently need to reconsider how we live, this film provides a rare glimpse into a pre-industrial way of life that has endured for centuries. It invites us to witness a way of being that remains largely unknown to many in urban societies, and through the powerful story of a charismatic nomadic family, we discover that, when it comes down to it, they are not so different from us. Through their powerful story, the film encourages us to question and reflect on what kind of world we want to live in – and whether we want to challenge our current system that is devouring the most marginalised groups on our planet.
Additionally, the documentary underscores the vital role of pastoralists in addressing the climate crisis. With environmental challenges escalating, pastoralism offers a practical model for adaptation. Pastoralists can move from place to place and adjust to extreme weather patterns enables them to continue producing essential food sources like milk and meat. This film showcases how pastoralists live in symbiosis with their environment, and can hopefully be used as a tool to encourage people and governments to recognise, protect and learn from pastoralists’ sustainable way of living.