Lolita Harper
The innocent wisdom of children, born into one the most adulterated
lifestyles in the world, shines through in the film "Born into
Brothels."
The documentary follows the children of prostitutes, pimps and
drug dealers in the red-light district of Calcutta, India, as they
learn to look at their dismal lives through the lens of a camera.
Through photography classes, taught by professional photographer and
co-producer Zana Briski, the children share their stories of poverty,
shame and hope -- exhibiting wisdom far beyond their years.
The foreground of the film focuses on the children and their
studies in photography. Each child is given a camera and is sent out
in the district to capture their reality. The film documents their
dedicated classwork and the relationship with their teacher, whom
they call "Zana Auntie," as is the Indian tradition.
Like the art of photography, the film also provides its viewer
with a remarkable background -- the children's long hours of
laborious chores, cutting remarks from their mothers, the rampant use
of drugs, pulling a curtain in the room while their mothers "work"
and their eagerness to escape it all.
Without an escape route, the children are destined for the same
lives as their parents -- lives riddled with grief, passion,
heartache and disgrace. As the years on "the line" -- as the row of
brothels is referred to -- increase, any hope of salvation diminishes
and ultimately, another generation of future prostitutes and pimps
are born.
"Born into Brothels" is gripping, compelling and brutally honest.
It reminds us that before our years shape us into doctors, lawyers,
teachers or "sex workers," we are all children. Innocent little
people who smile, laugh, giggle and dream, even while living a
nightmare.
"Born into Brothels," produced by Ross Kauffman and Red Light
Films. It will screen at 4:15 p.m. today at the Edwards Island 6 in
Fashion Island.
