Born into Brothels:
Have been meaning to blog about this ever since I saw the documentary on my last day at Christie's. The movie felt like a calling, and I knew I had to tell people about this.
Back in 2000, Briski, upon witnessing the daily horrors experienced by children living in Calcutta's red light district, founded
Kids with Cameras: -
Fascinated by her camera, Zana thought it would be great to see the world through their eyes. It was at that moment that she had the idea of teaching photography to the children of prostitutes.
To do so would involve overcoming nearly insurmountable obstacles � brothel owners, pimps, police, local politicians, and organized crime syndicate.
Zana held weekly photography workshops between 2000 and 2003. There the children learned camera basics, lighting, composition, the development of point-of-view, editing, and sequencing for narrative. To Zana's delight, equipped with inexpensive point-and-shoot 35mm cameras, the children produced incredible work. Their images are explosions of color: self-portraits, family pictures, street scenes, stunning tableaus of Bengali life.
Through teaching photography to children of prostitutes and social outcasts, Briski offered a 'way out' to these kids who otherwise have no chance of receiving education after primary school.
"The photographs taken by the children are not merely examples of remarkable observation and talent; they reflect something much larger, morally encouraging, and even politically volatile: art as an immensely liberating and empowering force."
Do go and catch the film if you can. Bring some friends, bring some Kleenex; (it does get emotional) it'll be worthwhile, 'cos the proceeds do go to support the children's education. The film's won an Audience Award in Sundance 2004, and it's the sort of film that keeps my faith in humanity.
