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HANDMADE FUTURE follows artisans in six countries preserving heritage, navigating the complex role of middlemen, and advancing responsible trade—pushing back against fast, cheap production to quietly restore a frayed world through beauty and human connection.
From rug weavers in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains and block printers in India’s Golden Triangle to Appalachian broom makers in Kentucky and recycled-glass blowers in Kenya, HANDMADE FUTURE showcases craftspeople worldwide whose work carries generations of skill, culture and creativity. It considers the ethics, artistry and equity of the global craft economy—highlighting the beauty of handwork, the pressures makers face, and those determined to keep their traditions alive in a rapidly modernising world. The film reflects on how artisans might guide us towards a more sustainable, community-focused future.
Watch the trailer here: https://vimeo.com/1157500005
Kirsten and Brandon Dickerson (founders of ARTIST&NOMAD) are at the helm of HANDMADE FUTURE. Their partnership as filmmakers ensures the blend of creative storytelling and visionary leadership, grounded in decades of experience in both film and social impact initiatives involving artisans and people living on the margins of our global community.
Kirsten Dickerson brings decades of experience in social design and artisan advocacy to her directorial debut, HANDMADE FUTURE. With artisan relationships around the world, she champions regenerative practices that honour the people and places that uphold the heritage and livelihoods of traditional communities and celebrate diversity.
Her experience ranges from being the CEO of an ethical fashion company to the president of a global women’s empowerment nonprofit as well as the founder of a regenerative travel, design, and film company. Her inspired work has received many awards, such as B Corp and CLASSY, and is featured in multiple top-tier publications such as Huffington Post, Fast Company, Marie Claire, InStyle, Forbes, New York Times, LA Times, and many more. She has been a key note speaker, lecturer, and panel participant in noted conferences and events such as SXSW, the Fair Trade Federation, the Yellow Conference, and the DELL Women’s Entrepreneurial Network.
While this is her directorial debut, Dickerson is not new to film sets. She is married to her best friend, filmmaker Brandon Dickerson, and has collaborated with him as an art director on past productions. This is their first co-produced feature film.
Brandon Dickerson is an award-winning writer/director/producer with more than 25 years of experience in independent film, commercials, and music videos. On HANDMADE FUTURE, he serves as director of photography and co-producer, supporting director Kirsten Dickerson’s vision.
His feature credits include Sironia, Victor, and Amanda & Jack Go Glamping. His documentary A Single Frame examines the impact of war photography from both sides of the camera. In commercials, he has received a Cannes Gold Lion and has directed music videos for The Walt Disney Company featuring artists including Selena Gomez, Jonas Brothers, and Zendaya.
After teaching filmmaking at London Screen Academy, he will join Baylor University’s Film & Digital Media faculty as an Assistant Professor in Fall 2026, while continuing active filmmaking as part of his role. He is currently co-producing the short film Welcome to the Dreamscape.