Fabric

A short documentary about immigrants and refugees working in the French tailoring industry, directed by Anabelle Marshall.

The main focus is an atelier in Paris. Just taking the opportunity to explain that an ''atelier'' is a French term for an artist's studio or workshop. This one in particular is named Espero and it serves as a workplace for a number of refugees who are given the opportunity to train as tailors and create clothing and accessories for well-known brands. On the eve of haute couture week (''haute couture'' meaning high dressmaking or high sewing in French and refers to the development of exceptional high-fashion garments), the fashion world of Paris gathers at the Musee D'Orsay for a special show which is a unique collection created by the staff of Espero and viewers get to see some of their creations in this documentary.

So who is associated to Espero? First, there is Maya Persaud, the co-founder and director of Espero. Then, there is Catherine Brickhill, a mentor at Espero and Cynthia Molasso, a pattern teacher. These supportive individuals, along with others, teach the refugees and immigrants how to be creative and achieve their goals. Through the introduction to several of the refugees, this film not only acknowledges their work at Espero, but it also examines their dramatic stories, how they left their home countries in the hope of finding better lives. Some of these dynamic individuals include Suad Ahmed Ziad from Eritrea, Sumaiya Ahmadi from Afghanistan and Ibrahim Barry from Guinea. Viewers also get the privilege of becoming familiar with Sylvain Amic, the President of the Musee D'Orsay.

This film provides an insight into the Parisian fashion industry and also serves as a commentary about immigration and refugeeism. In its centre though, it proves the power of determination, it shows people's great efforts to pursue a promising future and what can be accomplished with unity, support and creativity.

By viewing this documentary, people will be introduced to a group of inspiring and creative individuals

working towards their goals. Simultaneously, they will be accompanied by Johnny Yates's beautiful music.

Fabric will screen at the 2026 Raindance Film Festival.