The documentary “Born Into Brothels” is about the potential in children, and the power of an individual to help them achieve it.

When photographer Zana Briski was assigned to capture images of Calcutta’s notorious red light district, Sonagachi, she quickly developed relationships with the children born and raised in brothels.

Uneducated and neglected, these children worked at odd jobs with little hope of ever leaving their bleak environment.  Many were destined for the same vocation as their mothers.

Briski became a resident of the brothel for five years. During that time, she provided the children with point and shoot cameras, set up classes in photography, and trained them to document the harsh reality of their daily lives in film.

‘Born Into Brothels’ tells the story of this time, taking us inside the squalid living conditions and allowing us to see the world through the eyes of some of its most vulnerable residents, five girls and three boys, aged ten to fourteen.

The children responded with passion, surprised and grateful that someone was showing genuine faith in their abilities and talents. Soon they were expressing their lives, emotions and daily struggles through the camera, portraying both truth and beauty in their ugly world. 

Briski attempted to find places for the children in boarding schools, to take them our of their cycle of poverty and exploitation.But often she came up against objections from their own mothers or guardians, who believed that they were dependent on their children for additional income, or expected them to become the next generation of sex workers.

Showcasing the children’s art to Western audiences made it possible to raise money and provide education options for the Sonagachi children. One of the children was even offered an award and invited to study in Europe.

This is a sensitive. bitter-sweet and thought-provoking documentary with a strong focus on the innocence of children in an adult world.

While there’s no happy ending, Briski’s own story is an inspiring example of how one person can bring lasting change.

And the movie also highlights the potential of children worldwide who, given the right opportunities, show extraordinary talent and determination to succeed.

Article sourced from World Vision Australia  http://www.worldvision.com.au/news/newsonline/viewArticle_enh.asp?articleID=283