Over the weekend I checked out Born into Brothels, a documentary film by Ross Kauffman and Zana Briski, released in 2004 to theaters by THINKfilm. This documentary travels into the lives of children of prostitutes in the red light district of Calcutta. Zana Briski, a New York photographer, travels to Calcutta where she lives within the red light district for two years to teach the children about photography with the hope of giving them some sort of empowerment.
The movie introduces about a half dozen children, including Shanti Das, Puja Mukerjee, Avijit Halder and Suchitra. Each child has their own personality and identity that we really get a feel for and step into each life. The only thing they lack, (they are fully aware of this) is hope. The young girls “cross the line” (a term they use in reference to becoming a prostitute) at a very young age, 11 or 12 year of age. Education is not an option as the families don’t even have money to live decently.
Zana Briski conducts a photography class with these children where she gives them their own camera and teaches them the basics for good compositions and camera use. These children really enjoy Briski’s class and the power of the camera shows to give them a sense of identity, for the time being. Briski also tried to find placement in boarding schools for the children. She finally has success for a few girls, but after Briski leaves, only one out of three stay in school; the two girls were pulled out by their mothers so they can cross the line and make money for the family.
Zana Briski got a chance for the kids to show their work in an exhibition. The excitement from the kids would make any viewer smile; it was one of very few moments that the kids felt special and received attention. One of the little boys even received a scholarship!
This was an awesome documentary; so meaningful and touching. The lives of the families in the red light district were horrifying. The mothers swore and degraded their own children, one of the most nauseating scenes I’ve even viewed. This documentary won numerous awards including the 77th academy award for best documentary feature.
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Fantastic report. Thanks.
really good report that gives a clear picture of each kid's identity. Briski tried to help tens of kids to build their future with her knowledge of using a camera which is an awesome job. besides, kids would still have a hope in this life. i think everybody should be helping with the best they have. people basically don't have to help with their money, however, they could teach what can make those kids have better future and can make money, as one of three children received a scholarship. it's a great review again with nice visuals
