Commissioned by the United Nations, Ashvin Kumar’s documentary on illegal immigrant domestic workers, I’m Not Here, looks at the world of three women in search of a better life.
“The UN office of Human Rights wanted this story told to put a human face to the statistics and highlight, what is in effect, modern day slavery,” says Kumar, who lives between India and London. “I am interested in stories of human injustice, especially in the case of women, so the subject spoke to me.” Kumar was nominated for an Academy award for his short film, Little Terrorist, and has won two National Awards for his documentaries, Inshallah, Kashmir and Inshallah, Football. He is the son of fashion revivalist Ritu Kumar.