Watch Mardi Gras: Made in China

Mardi Gras: Made in China is a documentary film made in 2005, directed by David Redmon, that explores the cultural phenomenon of Mardi Gras in New Orleans and its connection to Chinese-made beads. The film follows the journey of a young Chinese factory worker named Jasmine who works in a factory in Fuzhou, China that produces Mardi Gras beads for export to the United States. Through Jasmine's eyes, viewers get a glimpse into the life of a typical low-wage factory worker in China and the labor-intensive processes involved in the production of the beads.

The film also explores the cultural implications of Mardi Gras beads and the production of those beads in China. It shows how these beads, which have become a symbol of the festival, are mass-produced in factories by workers who earn very low wages and work in conditions that are often dangerous.

The film highlights the stark contrast between the festive and lavish celebration of Mardi Gras in New Orleans and the harsh reality experienced by the workers in China who manufacture the beads. The film also interviews a number of people connected to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, including float builders, partygoers, and shop owners who sell the beads.

Throughout the documentary, viewers are exposed to the potential negative effects of the demands of the modern global economy on individuals and cultures. The film portrays the human cost of globalization, which often involves exploiting workers in developing countries to produce cheap goods for consumers in the West.

Mardi Gras: Made in China is a thought-provoking film that forces viewers to confront issues regarding economic inequality and social justice. It successfully delivers a powerful message about the ramifications of our consumption patterns and the need for greater global awareness and empathy.

Overall, the film is an eye-opening, and at times, heart-wrenching exploration of contemporary issues affecting people across the globe. It is highly recommended for anyone interested in the intersection of culture, commerce, and human rights.

Mardi Gras: Made in China is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 57.