From Unity To Success
BackersUnited Uplift Foundation, a distinguished nonprofit organization, is backed by Hastavik and guided by Kumkum Sahoo, a visionary leader dedicated to transforming the lives of women and rural communities through skill development and textile industry empowerment. With her diploma from the London School of Fashion, Kumkum Sahoo has introduced innovative fashion concepts, such as the spre draped saree, and has a deep commitment to charitable and humanitarian causes, focusing on women’s empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, social inclusion, and environmental conservation. The foundation, with a legacy of over 25 years, has positively impacted countless lives.
In 2016, the foundation sharpened its focus with the introduction of its signature initiative, ‘Jute Story Beyond Bars.’ As an official participant of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Network and a proponent of the Women’s Empowerment Principles, developed in collaboration with UNGC and UN Women, the foundation’s work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their efforts have touched the lives of over half a million people, with a global reach extending to more than 20 million individuals.
The film is a multiple award-winner at various international and national film festivals:
Recognized with awards at the World Film Carnival in Singapore, including Outstanding Documentary Film, Outstanding Debut Filmmaker, and Outstanding Film on Women.
Honored with accolades at the Druk International Film Festival, receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award for both Debut Filmmaker and Documentary Film.
Awarded at the Royal Society of Television and Motion Picture Awards in 2021.
Celebrated at the Black Swan International Film Festival in 2021.
Named a Finalist at the Toronto Independent Film Festival in August 2021.
Achieved Semi-Finalist status at the Berlin Shorts Award in August 2021.
Selected for official screening at the London Indie Short Festival in 2021.
Jute for Climate Action: A Global Initiative
In the wake of the pandemic and the intensified global emphasis on climate action, BackersUnited Uplift Foundation achieved a remarkable milestone by crafting the World’s Largest Jute Bag, conveying a powerful message of a ‘Greener, Healthier, and Inclusive World’ to an international audience.
Following this historic accomplishment, the foundation launched its global initiative, ‘Jute for Climate Action,’ on August 15th, 2021.
As part of this initiative, we introduced a short documentary titled ‘Jute Story Beyond Bars,’ both produced and directed by Kumkum Sahoo, Founder of BackersUnited Uplift Foundation. The documentary showcases the transformative work within rural communities and the resurgence of jute, contributing to environmental sustainability and social inclusion.