Kutty Japanin Kuzhandaigal (1990)

Documentary about the Sivakasi region known for its artisanal industries and for providing the national supply of matchboxes, fireworks and gaudy calendars. Known locally as ‘Mini- Japan’, Sivakasi is also one of the worst exploiters of child labour anywhere in India: 70% of its workforce are pre-puberty girls. The film juxtaposes these unsavoury labour conditions with Sivakasi’s association with ‘popular art’.