Born Into Brothels

British-born photojournalist Zana Briski overcame barriers of language, culture, and ethnicity when she immersed herself into an impoverished and illegal neighborhood in the Third World metropolis of Calcutta, India. An award-winning photographer, Briski befriended the children of Sonagachi (the city's red light district), starting a photography workshop for them and equipping them each with their own camera. The transformative power of this simple object is remarkable; within weeks, the children show new spirit and several have discovered a talent for the art. Briski and her co-director, Ross Kaufman, follow the children as they filter their marginalized, forgotten world through the camera lens. Over the course of the film, a central narrative unfolds--the children's quest, fueled by their newfound hope and strength, to leave the brothels for a better life. The directors frame the children in extreme close-ups, caressing their features and capturing each subtle change of expression. By intercutting their own images with those taken by the children, the directors establish the distinct personality and voice of their subjects. Among them are Avijit, a rotund, serious 11-year-old of immense talent, whose mother is murdered by her pimp during the filming; Kochi, a quiet slip of a girl, destined to follow the family line of prostitution; and Puja, a feisty tomboy whose tenacity allows her to photograph the district's most dangerous areas. Though the beauty of the story is marred by tragedy and heartbreak, this fine documentary is ultimately a testament to the immense power of art, even in the bleakest of environments.

Cast:

Year - Presenter		Award Category		Result		Name
2004 - Academy Awards		Best Documentary Feature		Winner		Not Applicable

"[M]oving, charming and sad, a tribute to Ms. Briski's indomitability and to the irrepressible creative spirits of the children themselves." -- A. O. Scott , (New York Times)

"BORN INTO BROTHELS shatters expectations and confounds preconceptions. A documentary that changed the lives both of subjects and filmmakers, it will reorder the worldview of whoever sees it." -- Kenneth Turan , (Los Angeles Times)

"Uplifting at times but also tempered by bittersweet realism, BORN INTO BROTHELS rates a bonus point just for having been made." -- Mike Clark , (USA Today)

4 stars out of 5 -- "Bursting with courage and brilliant photographs taken by fearless children, this is a story of redemption..." -- Peter Relic , (Rolling Stone)

"As a result of this story that demanded to be told, the lives of all involved were changed, and some may have been saved." -- Kirven Blount , (Entertainment Weekly)

"[A]n artful and atmospheric documentary. Its multi-textured style combines reportage with more impressionistic stills and video photography to build an elegant and moving portrait..." -- Liese Spencer , (Sight and Sound)

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