Born into Brothels: Calcutta’s Red Light Kids (2004)

Directors: Zana Briski, Ross Kauffman

Two documentary filmmakers chronicle their time in Sonagchi, Calcutta and the relationships they developed with children of prostitutes who work the city’s notorious red light district.

‘Born into Brothels: Calcutta’s Red Light Kids’ is an inspirational and uplifting documentary, and proves there are still Good Samaritans out there trying to change people’s lives.

Such a Good Samaritan is Zana Briski, who went to Calcutta, India to film prostitutes in a brothel. But arriving there, she met all the children living in the brothel, and decided to do a documentary on them instead. These kids are living in dire circumstances, and are doing the cleaning and running errands – often until very late at night.

Being a photographer herself, Zana decided to give the children cameras. She taught them how to use it, and the photographs they took gave her a good insight into their everyday lives – and their perception of the world. Despite their circumstances and very little opportunity, these kids dream of a better future. It truly is so sad seeing innocent kids growing up in places like this. With no help from the outside world, the girls sure are destined to become prostitutes, too. (Not sure what would become of the boys…)

It was such a delight seeing the kids discovering the world outside their ‘comfort zone’, how they bonded, and how much fun they had ‘just being kids’. Zana showcased their photographs at photography conventions in the hopes of raising money to provide for them, and to give them an education.

I enjoyed watching ‘Born into Brothels’ very much. It shows us a very different side to life – quite frankly one we probably never care to think about, or even know exists. This was an eye-opener, and definitely thought-provoking. Well done to Zana Briski!

‘Born into Brothels: Calcutta’s Red Light Kids’ received many accolades and won the Oscar for Best Documentary. Well deserved!

Would I watch it again? Generally, I don’t really give documentaries a second viewing, so I’ll have to say no.