“The Threads of Resilience” is a documentary that explores the untold journey of fashion waste from the Global North to the vibrant markets of Accra, Ghana. In particular, the film focuses on Kantamanto Market, one of the largest second-hand clothing hubs in the world, where artisans, designers, and brands are tackling the impact of discarded garments. For decades, these communities have navigated the complexities of waste colonialism, turning mountains of textile waste into upcycled creations.
Through this lens, the film captures the resilience, creativity, and ingenuity of those who have been forced to adapt to this influx of waste. The documentary also highlights the global fashion system’s failure to address the end of the clothing lifecycle. It asks viewers to reconsider their role in fashion’s linear consumption model and invites them to learn from the resourcefulness of those in Kantamanto. By shining a light on these untold stories, The Threads of Resilience challenges the industry’s exploitative practices while celebrating the innovation and determination found in these markets.
This film serves as a platform for artisans and designers in Ghana to share their knowledge and unique perspectives on waste and consumption, offering a new way to rethink the future of fashion.
Do you know where your clothes go when you discard them? Ghana’s vibrant Kantamanto Market receives 15 million garments from the Global North each week. The market has built resilience and creativity, transforming these secondhand clothes into upcycled pieces, and redefining waste as a source of innovation.