The Bata Shoe Company most likely needs no introduction to CaSFFA audiences. This popular brand of shoes are still worn- and made- the world over. Filmed in France, Brazil, India, Kenya, Zlín, and Bratislava Batastories tells the story of how Tomáš Baťa, eleventh generation cobbler, revolutionised the company and looks at the legacy he holds even to this day. Tomáš Baťa, whose motto was “People of thought, machines of toil”, not only came to hold the keys to his home town of Zlín; he built entire cities, towns, and villages across the world- many of which are still in production today.
Interweaving stories from different towns and time periods, Peter Kerekes’ latest documentary focuses on the Bata shoe empire and the quest to find the next generation of shoe makers.
Preceded by Po Sezóne (Off Season, Andrea Kanilova), 35 minutes.