Web series shows youth real textile industry

Awareness

Director Joakim Kleven decided to bring the youngsters along to Cambodia to make them aware about the working conditions in the region. They were not only given the opportunity to talk to textile workers, they also worked at one of the factories themselves.

The three youngsters experienced several breakdowns during the making of the documentary “Sweatshop.Dead Cheap Fashion”, especially when they realize how their clothing is made. They have taken it upon themselves to help create awareness in Norway, in order to spark a debate about the low wages and abysmal working conditions.

H&M statement

Swedish fashion company H&M was asked to comment during the documentary, but declined to do so. It did however give a short statement, saying it has been striving for better wages and working conditions at its suppliers since 2013. Events like shown in the documentary are no longer present at H&M, it said.

Ever since the Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh in April 2013, there has been an increased focus on the textile industry and its working conditions. Plenty of companies have vowed to deal with the problem, like giving higher wages.