Machines (film)

Machines is a 2016 Indian-German documentary film directed by Rahul Jain. The film offers a stark and observational look at the lives of workers in a large textile factory in Gujarat, India. It avoids narration and interviews, instead relying on extended, visually rich sequences and ambient sound to immerse the viewer in the harsh realities of the factory environment.

The film explores themes of labor exploitation, economic disparity, and the dehumanizing effects of industrialization. It focuses on the grueling working conditions, the low wages, and the long hours endured by the workers, many of whom are young men and boys.

Machines received critical acclaim for its powerful imagery, immersive sound design, and its unflinching portrayal of factory life. It has been shown at numerous film festivals, including the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) and the Sundance Film Festival. It won the Jury Special Mention at IDFA and the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Cinematography at Sundance.