Documentaries

Under The Open Sky

In the desert lands of Western India, against the backdrop of a rapidly industrialising country and with the reality of the global climate crisis becoming more and more tangible, the charming and charismatic family of Ahmed, Sakina and their five children are forced to give up their traditional way of life as nomadic camel-herders and adapt to a ‘settled’ existence as daily labourers.

In a story that spans over five years, we witness the family’s drastic change in circumstances, from sleeping under the open sky, completely immersed in the natural world, to spending their days loading carts of sand in the pursuit of a few hundred rupees.

The film’s portrayal of the camel-herders’ life and the evolving landscape of Kutch is particularly meaningful for Zain Jaffer, whose family heritage is rooted in this region. His connection to Kutch underscores the Foundation's commitment to supporting stories that resonate with his own legacy and the broader impact of environmental and social change.

Under The Open Sky is produced by Guerrera Films, a team dedicated to authentic storytelling that captures the complexity of human resilience. Through their lens, the viewer is invited to experience the beauty and challenges of life in Kutch, breathing the same air as a family whose traditions are being eroded by rapid modernization.