One of Kochi’s remaining Jewish inhabitants and her Muslim carer have a beautiful friendship. Sarah Cohen’s Hand Embroidery is a world-famous boutique in Kerala’s ‘Jew Town’ that sells Jewish specialty products. Sarah Aunty, who is 95 years old, is one of the city’s last remaining members of the Cochin Jews (also known as Malabar Jews). Thaha Ibrahim, her caretaker, recalls the glory days of Jew Town when members of the Jewish community lived on both sides of the street.
101 Traces is a documentary that looks at the last of everything: ethnic communities, traditional craftspeople, vanishing trades, and forgotten people. It paints profiles of these folks who are caught in a fight they can’t win: a fight against the future. They reflect the dwindling whispers of ancient heritage and traditional identity when they come together. 101 Traces recognizes the people, the artifacts, and the abilities that connect us to our ancient identity as India drifts into homogenized global pop culture.
