The Fisherman and the Banker is a compelling multi-disciplinary documentary that chronicles a landmark battle for justice at the intersection of environmental activism, global finance, and human rights. Filmed over a decade, this modern-day David and Goliath story follows the Wagher fishing community in India’s Gulf of Kutch as they confront the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private lending arm of the World Bank, over the devastating impact of the Tata Mundra coal-fired power plant on their lives, environment, and cultural heritage.
At the core of the film is the historic Jam v. IFC case, in which the community, supported by Washington-based NGO EarthRights International, challenged the IFC’s immunity in U.S. courts, ultimately reaching the U.S. Supreme Court. This unprecedented legal battle questioned the accountability of international financial institutions in the face of environmental destruction and human rights violations, setting a precedent for future global development projects.
Through close observation over 10 years, the documentary offers a rare, intimate look at a grassroots social movement in action. The film uncovers the insidious “divide and rule” tactics employed by corporations and financial institutions to weaken and disempower local movements, adding layers of complexity to the community’s fight for justice. The Wagher fishermen’s struggle reveals not only their deep connection to the environment but also the power of community organizing in the face of immense corporate and institutional pressure.
You must be a CUID holder - Please RSVP here.
