Ep 14. The Art Of The Shine

In Independent Lens season 19 episode 14, titled "The Art Of The Shine", viewers are taken on a journey through the vibrant and skilled world of shoe shining. Through profiles of shoeshine artists from all over the world, the episode explores how this seemingly simple craft has become a powerful symbol of economic opportunity, as well as a testament to the beauty and importance of handmade work in a world increasingly dominated by machines.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to a diverse cast of characters, from a young man in New York City who is just starting out as a shoeshine artist, to a family of second-generation shoeshine artists in La Paz, Bolivia, who earn their living by polishing the shoes of wealthy businessmen and politicians. Each artist has their own unique story and perspective on the craft, but they all share a passion for the transformative power of a good shoe shine.

Viewers are then taken on a tour of some of the world's most iconic shoe shine landmarks, from the historic shoe shine stands of Grand Central Terminal in New York City, to the bustling open-air shoeshine markets of Mexico City and Ghana. Along the way, we see how shoeshiners have become important fixtures in their communities, offering not just shining services but also a welcoming ear and a source of advice and camaraderie.

The episode also delves into the history of the shoe shine, exploring how this humble trade has evolved over time to become a symbol of hard work, skill, and pride. Viewers learn about the shoeshine artists who served in the military during World War II and went on to become entrepreneurs, as well as the rise of "concierge" shoeshine services in high-end hotels and offices. Through it all, we see how the art of the shine has remained a symbol of hope and resilience for those who practice it.

But the episode is not just a celebration of the skill and beauty of the shoeshine. It is also an exploration of the challenges faced by shoeshine artists in today's world, from the exploitation faced by some workers in developing countries, to the threat posed by changing technology. Viewers see how some shoeshiners are struggling to keep their businesses afloat in the face of competition from automated machines, while others are working to build networks and cooperatives to support each other and protect their rights.

Despite these challenges, the shoeshine artists featured in "The Art Of The Shine" have a deep love and respect for their craft, and an unwavering commitment to their customers and communities. Whether they are shining shoes in a bustling train station, on a dusty street corner in Mexico, or in a high-end hotel lobby, these artists prove that the art of the shine is not just about polishing shoes - it's about the power of human connection and the beauty of work done with passion and care.

Overall, "The Art Of The Shine" is a celebration of a craft that has often been overlooked and undervalued, but that has played an important role in communities around the world. Through the stories of the shoeshine artists featured in the episode, viewers are reminded of the beauty and importance of handmade work in a world increasingly dominated by machines, and of the resilience and spirit of those who practice these cherished trades.