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Threads: The Art and Life of Surayia Rahman


  • Cathy Stevulak, Director
  • Leonard Hill and Cathy Stevulak, Producer

Surayia Rahman instructs a young Bengali woman as she works on her stitch-work.

About the Project

Threads is an intimate portrait of an 86-year old Muslim artist in Bangladesh who transforms a unique quiltwork tradition to create possibilities for a better life for her family and for hundreds of impoverished mothers. Over three decades, as the intricate story-telling art they create quietly spreads to collections of museums and art connoisseurs throughout the world, Surayia Rahman and the women overcome their hardships with needle and thread, stitch by stitch.

An inspirational example of the power of art and the impact of empowering women and girls around the world, Threads takes us on a journey into the heart of one of Bangladesh's first women artists and illuminates an unconventional path to dignity and independence.

Your donation helps us to bring Threads to communities and schools around the world. Thank you.

If you prefer to donate by check, please make payable to International Documentary Association and send to Threads, c/o Kantha Productions LLC, PO Box 143, Lakebay, WA 98349 USA

info@kanthathreads.com