Key Pen connects to Bangladesh by ‘Threads’

Danna Webster, KP News

Leonard Hill and Cathy Stevulak with Surayia Rahman in her home in Bangladesh Showing Surayia clips from the first film shoot for “Threads.” Courtesy photo

The 2014 Gig Harbor Film Festival officially accepted an independent documentary film produced by a local Herron Island couple on Saturday, Oct. 18.

“Threads,” produced by Cathy Stevulak and Leonard Hill will screen at 1:05 p.m. for the convenience of Herron Island ferry riders.

“Much of our early inspiration came from talks during aqua-aerobics at the Easter Seals’ pool,” said Stevulak, an Angel Guild volunteer, and adds that they were also helped in the early stages by showing trailers for the film at the Key Center Library where the audience provided feedback.

Threads is a documentary about one of Bangladesh’s first women artists who liberates herself and hundreds of others from social and economic hardships by creating timeless works of art.

Surayia Rahman transforms an ancient quilting tradition and, over 30 years, trains destitute women to stitch their elaborate stories. But Rahman never expected that destitute young mothers would come to search for her, or that the elaborate art that they created together would find its way to dignitaries and private collections around the world.

Visitors to the Fiber Arts Shows at the KP Farm Tours will see original works by the artist featured in the film.

The Gig Harbor Film Festival runs from Oct. 16-19, 2014 at the Galaxy Theatre in Uptown Gig Harbor. Tickets are available at the Gig Harbor Film Festival office next to the Galaxy Theatre, or online at gigharborfilmfestival.org.