Quilts of Valor

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Posted by: Cathy and Len

Some of the Quilts of Valor at Jubilee Lodge.

Some of the Quilts of Valor at Jubilee Lodge.

Today Americans celebrate Memorial Day, commemorating the sacrifices of those who have died in the service of their country.  We were reminded of  those sacrifices when we recently screened Threads and had a lively discussion about the film at Jubilee, an active adult community in Lacey, Washington.

Just outside of the hall where we showed the film was a very moving display of quilts made by residents of Jubilee for wounded service members at nearby Madigan Army Medical Center.  These “Quilts of Valor” demonstrate the skill and dedication of the makers, and received a certificate of appreciation from the Warrior Transition Battalion at the hospital.

We brought one of Surayia’s nakshi kantha tapestries, “Gypsy Wharf,” for film attendees to examine. Although “Gypsy Wharf” is very different in style and theme from the Quilts of Valor, the quality and diversity of stitching traditions continues to amaze us.  We are always energized by meeting people who, like Surayia and the women of Arshi, turn thread and fabric into visually intricate and wonderful works of art that can warm and help to heal spirit and body.

Thank you to those who have served to make us free and to those whose commitment to others gives hope.

Certificate of Appreciation for the quilts.

Close-up, Quilts of Valor, Jubilee Lodge.

 

 

 

 

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A new trailer for THREADS

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Posted by:  Cathy and Len

We will be posting some good news about film festival and other showings of Threads soon.  In the meantime, check out the new trailer for Threads that co-producer Catherine Masud has just completed.  Thank you, Catherine!

Please feel free to share the trailer widely.  If you prefer to watch and share on YouTube, you can see the new trailer here.

Traditional Boat. Surayia Rahman design. Photo used with permission.

Traditional Boat. Surayia Rahman design. Photo used with permission.

 

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Celebrating International Women’s Day

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Posted by:  Cathy and Len

We are happy to join people around the world celebrating International Women’s Day March 8.

On this day, we particularly salute women artists who open doors to economic opportunity, preserve culture and foster creativity and community development.   Artisan enterprise today is the second largest employer after agriculture in the developing world, and, as Threads shows, the work of artisans can have a ripple effect, positively impacting the lives of generations.

We encourage everyone to think about handmade goods when making consumer choices and to support living artists whenever possible.  We believe that a world without poverty is possible, and that each of us can make a difference toward this goal.

Surayia and the women she worked with share their skills and together create timeless art. With creativity and determination, they feed and educate their children.  We salute their accomplishments.

 

 

 

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A wonderful evening at MAIWA

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Posted by: Cathy

It was an honor and a pleasure to show Threads and answer questions about the film at the MAIWA Symposium in Vancouver, BC, recently.  I was particularly happy that a number of people who know Surayia or helped with filming in Canada could attend.

Here’s a review of the event on the MAIWA blog.  Thank you!

Woman embroidering kantha. Surayia Rahman design. Photo used with permission.

Woman embroidering kantha. Surayia Rahman design. Photo used with permission.

 

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UPDATE — Threads news: first film festival screening!

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Posted by: Cathy and Len

We are very pleased to announce that Threads is finished and will have its first festival screening at our hometown Gig Harbor Film Festival.  Mark your calendars:  Saturday, October 18 at 12:55 PM at the Galaxy Theater in Uptown Gig Harbor.  Tickets are available at the GHFF office next door to the theater, and online at Eventbrite.  We will be there to answer questions after the film.

The Gig Harbor Film Festival is a wonderful community event that has been growing each year.  Volunteers are the backbone of the GHFF, and we are proud to be part of the volunteer team.

Many, many thanks to everyone who has helped to make this day possible.  A huge thank you to our donors:  friends, family and total strangers who contributed time, photos, advice, and money to this project.  We look forward to showing you the film.  And of course we could not have done anything without the constant support of Surayia Rahman and her children and grandchildren.

Keep checking back for updates on additional screenings of Threads.

 

 

 

 

 

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