Born Into Brothels
Born Into Brothels is a very poignant and touching documentary about a photographer who works with poor children of prostitutes in the red light district of Calcutta. The kids have a whole range of unique personalities, from boisterous and bossy to shy and introverted, from playful to serious. They are all wise and worldly though, with the reality of their poverty and prospects not lost on them despite their tender years.
Providing the kids with cameras gives them an outlet for creativity. Further than this they also learn other skills involved with creating art and selecting from proofs. While all of the kids take at least a few amazing photos, some in particular have a particular talent for it. Avijit is the most gifted of all, and his precocious talent is also reflected in his personality. He is playfully arrogant and egotistical, and his approach to photography exudes these traits.
Zana Briski, the teacher and director of the film, is so touched by these children that she decides she must do everything in her power to give them a chance to lift themselves about the poverty and situation they have been born into. A good portion of the film is about her struggle to generate money and find opportunities for the kids to be sent to a well regarded boarding school. One amazing opportunity arises for Avijit, when he is selected to go to Amsterdam for a world photographic class and exhibition.
Zana Briski and Ross Kaufmann have done an amazing job, creating a film that is informative, striking and personal.
8/10