GIRMIT: The Fields of Sadness, a documentary produced on Fiji Girmit, is more than a historical recount; it is a deep journey into a neglected chapter of history that has shaped the lives of millions in the Indian diaspora.
The documentary is produced by former Ba Town Council town clerk Rajendra Prasad and is based on his book “Tears in Paradise”.
It will be screened in Damodar Cinemas starting today.
Mr Prasad said he felt compelled to bring the stories of the girmitiyas to light, stories that had been silenced for generations, buried under the weight of colonial narratives.
“This documentary is an act of remembrance and justice,” Mr Prasad said.
“It seeks to give voice to the pain and resilience of the Indian indentured workers who toiled under brutal conditions in the sugarcane fields of Fiji.
“Their struggle is not just a distant past but a living memory that continues to influence the identities and experiences of their descendants around the world.”
He said the film was a testament to the girmitiyas’ strength, a tribute to their sacrifices, and a call to acknowledge the injustices they endured.
“In telling this story, we hope to spark a broader conversation about the lasting impacts of colonialism and the importance of remembering and honouring all facets of our shared history.
“GIRMIT: The Fields of Sadness is a reminder that the echoes of the past continue to resonate in the lives of the present, and it is our duty to listen.”
The documentary will be on public screening from 2.30pm at Damodar Cinemas, Damodar City, Suva.
In Labasa, the film will be screened at Damodar Cinemas on May 22 from 7.30pm, and at 8.30pm on May 23.
In Lautoka at Village 4, it will be screened on May 23 and May 24 at 8pm.
