Born Into Brothels

A 2005 Oscar-winner for Best Documentary, Born Into Brothels chronicles a period of hope in the lives of neglected youngsters--the children of prostitutes in Calcutta's red light district--after internationally renowned photojournalist Zana Briski gave them cameras. A low-tech, buoyant, yet often heartbreaking film that is full of surprises and tragic reminders of how the world's less fortunate kids can be robbed of their dreams by exploitative forces, Briski and Ross Kauffman's film follows what happens after Briski--on assignment capturing images of the sex trade in Calcutta--becomes deeply interested in children born and raised in the city's brothels. Noting that many of these prepubescent boys and girls (despite witnessing constant violence, drug abuse, and the trafficking of their mothers) maintain a natural curiosity and cautious optimism, Briski offered a free photography class to 20 kids, providing point-and-shoot cameras, lessons in composition, and photo-op field trips to a zoo and a beach. But she also encouraged her students to take pictures of their own lives, homes, friends, and neighborhoods. The results are dynamic and sometimes remarkable as startling images emerge, including hashish-addicted wastrels, spirited young women with enigmatic smiles, and self-portraits set against urban decay. The film takes a more anxious turn when Briski becomes determined, despite nigh insurmountable obstacles, to get as many kids out of the brothels and into boarding schools as possible--a laudable effort with a huge emotional stake, for Briski, the children, and the viewer. Highly recommended. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by directors Ross Kauffman and Zana Briski, a video commentary by the kids as they watch select scenes from the film (37 min.), 13 minutes of deleted scenes, a nine-minute “Reconnecting” update on the kids three years later (9 min.), an interview segment with Charlie Rose featuring Briski and Kauffman (6 min.), the Academy Award acceptance speech (3 min.), production stills, a text segment about “Kids with Cameras,” and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for one of 2004's best films.] (T. Keogh)