Documentary
17-year-old documentary filmmaker Rhea Bakshi’s awarded “Young Achievers’ Award”
Mumbai: 17-year-old documentary award-winning filmmaker Rhea Bakshi’s was presented with the prestigious “Young Achievers’ Award” by the Indian Achievers’ Forum. This distinction was awarded in recognition of Rhea’s unmatched contribution and creative passion to enhance India’s image across the world and delivering worldwide socio-economic impact for the millions of Indian artisans through her documentary “India’s Treasures”, which was earlier in the year awarded with the finalist laurels at New York International Film Awards.
The Indian Achievers Awards are presented to individuals and organisations in recognition of their exceptional achievements, success within their respective domains and that directly or indirectly impact the socio-economic welfare of India. The awards are governed by a well-established advisory board comprising accomplished and prominent individuals and heads of organisations who have attained the highest levels of achievement in diverse fields such as politics, arts, sports, business, technology and academia.
On being awarded the “Young Achievers’ Award”, the filmmaker and 12th class economics student Rhea Bakshi said, “I am grateful to the award jury of the Indian Achievers’ Forum that has bestowed me with this distinct honour and responsibility. It’s like living a dream! My journey with filmmaking started with a mission to demonstrate the irreplaceable value of Indian craftsmanship and the need to celebrate it on a global scale. The focal point for this film was inspired from Prime Minister’s Narendra Modiji’s mission of inclusive economic growth, which I believe is critical to realise the vision of making India the world’s third-largest economy.”
“I am overjoyed that this recognition which will strengthen the voice of the Indian artisans, especially women. I would like to share this award with the millions of unsung Indian artisans who have immensely enriched my mission and propelled my career goal of making meaningful impact in Indian and global economies,” Rhea added.
Rhea Bakshi directed “India’s Treasures”, an intimate journey into the enchanting world of one of India’s centuries-old traditional art forms – handmade silver jewellery – adorned by the royalties across all continents. A class 12 economics student of The Shri Ram School, her documentary travels through the magical Rajasthan, Jharkhand and narrow lanes of old Delhi to embrace artisans’ lives and showcase their pride, fears, sacrifice and passion while creating and preserving India’s distinct identity.
The handicraft sector in India plays a vital role in driving the country’s economy, employing over seven million artisans and impacting the livelihoods of over 200 million people. The documentary emphasised the need to celebrate these artisans and preserve their unique skills – the true treasures of India’s heritage – underscoring the power of sustainable development where everyone can contribute and earn with fair and equal access to resources and opportunities.
The director and creator Rhea Bakshi, an ardent admirer of the traditional handmade silver jewellery, introduced inspiring stories of inclusive economic growth. It also showcased how the sector is empowering disadvantaged women facing cultural and economic barriers through skill-building, offering them a path to a better future, transforming their lives, enabling them to financially contribute to their families well-being.
Documentary
Netflix and Warner Music ink landmark documentary deal
The streaming giant has just unlocked one of the richest vaults in music history. Its rivals should be worried
CALIFORNIA AND NEW YORK: Netflix and Warner Music Group have signed an exclusive multi-year deal to produce documentary series and films drawn from the label’s storied artist roster, the companies announced on Friday — a move that hands the streaming platform access to one of the most formidable catalogues in music history.
Warner Music Group represents legends including David Bowie, Cher, Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin and Joni Mitchell, alongside contemporary superstars such as Charli XCX, Coldplay and Bruno Mars. That is a staggering breadth of material for a platform hungry for prestige content and subscriber growth to match.
Under the agreement, Warner Music will work with Unigram, the production company aligned with the label, which will serve as the studio for its long-form projects. Each title will be developed in collaboration with the artists themselves or their estates, ensuring the kind of intimate access that turns a documentary into an event.
The deal reflects an intensifying race between music-rights owners and streaming platforms eager to turn deep catalogues into premium visual content. Music documentaries have become a vehicle for fan-driven, culturally resonant programming — a trend underscored by Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” film, which grossed over $260 million globally and reminded every platform chief just how lucrative the genre can be.
Netflix already boasts formidable credentials in music storytelling, with “Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé” and “Quincy” among its highest-profile releases. The Warner deal sharpens that edge considerably. Rival platforms have not been idle: Disney+ has released “The Beach Boys”, while Max has drawn attention with “Stax: Soulsville U.S.A.” Apple Music, meanwhile, has pushed into original content through its Apple Music Live series, producing documentaries and livestreamed concerts featuring Harry Styles and Billie Eilish.
The battle for music’s visual soul, then, is well and truly on. Netflix has just made its boldest move yet.
