While working on a film about prostitutes in Calcutta, Zana Briski noticed that many of the women had children who also lived in the brothels. To prevent them from following in their mothers' footsteps, Briski gave the kids cameras, urging them to document their life in the Red Light District.
The project resulted in the documentary "Born into Brothels". While it's depressing to see the horrific conditions people are forced to live in, it's also a hopeful tale of children. Young girls and boys, who for the first time are given a chance to break free from a life of coercion and oppression.
A final note: since the film premiered, Zana Briski has started a non-profit organization called "Kids with Cameras". The idea is to initiate similar projects in other countries around the world.
The project resulted in the documentary "Born into Brothels". While it's depressing to see the horrific conditions people are forced to live in, it's also a hopeful tale of children. Young girls and boys, who for the first time are given a chance to break free from a life of coercion and oppression.
A final note: since the film premiered, Zana Briski has started a non-profit organization called "Kids with Cameras". The idea is to initiate similar projects in other countries around the world.