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In this moving and award-winning documentary, viewers are taken on a journey into the heart of Calcutta's red-light district, where photographer Zana Briski immerses herself in the lives of the city's prostitutes. As she captures their portraits, Briski forms a unique bond with the children that these women have borne into this world. In a transformative gesture, she decides to teach them the art of photography, offering them a glimpse of life outside the slums.
Born Into Brothels: Calcutta's Red Light Kids showcases the remarkable talents of these children as they navigate their way through the crowded streets of Calcutta, capturing both beauty and despair through their own lenses. The documentary allows audiences to witness their growth and development as they learn to harness the power of their cameras to communicate their stories to the wider world.
With Briski's support, these young photographers go on to exhibit their work internationally, achieving recognition and acclaim for their raw and honest portrayals of life in one of the most impoverished cities on earth. Their photographs provide a powerful window into the harsh realities faced by those living within the red-light district, while also offering a sense of hope and resilience.
Winner of the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2005, Born Into Brothels: Calcutta's Red Light Kids is a thought-provoking and inspiring exploration of the transformative power of art, and the profound impact it can have on the lives of those living on the fringes of society.
