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Born into Brothels

Where to Watch Born into Brothels

R
2003

Born into Brothels, released in 2004, is an intense and heart-rendering documentary film that takes its audience on a journey into the underworld of Sonagachi - one of the most notorious red-light districts in Calcutta, India. This compelling piece directed by Zana Briski and Ross Kauffman features Kochi, Avijit Halder, Shanti Das, among others. This film contrasts two very stark worlds: the despairing reality of life in the brothels as experienced by its residents, and the possibilities beyond the brothel walls as captured through the children's photographic lenses and their animated spirit. The film covers the lives, struggles, and dreams of the children of sex workers who are literally 'born into brothels.' Briski, a British-American photojournalist, initially traveled to Calcutta intending to document the lives of sex workers but soon found herself deeply engrossed in the lives of their children, the most innocent victims of this nefarious trade. She forms a deep bond with them, giving birth to a unique education project that allows these children to share their stories, documenting their lives through their own innocent yet impactful perspectives. Through its course, the film follows Briski's project where she starts teaching these children to take photographs, thereby channeling their creative energies into something positive and liberating. The children's talents and zeal are soon apparent—they show an uncanny ability to capture their world in astonishing ways, revealing insights that effectively relay the harsh realities of their lives and display their strength and resilience. Much of the film's narrative flows through these photographs, which act as a visual diary for these children's daily life—portraying everything from the dingy lanes of the neighborhood and the daily atrocities faced by their mother figures to their own dreams and aspirations agonizingly limited by their circumstances. Their photos, infused with raw emotion, evoke a new visual language that communicates with the audience powerfully by virtue of their blunt honesty and poignant beauty. Avijit Halder stands out among the children. His prodigious talent for photography and remarkable resiliency against unkind fate is particularly moving in the documentary. However, all the young characters in the film are equally engaging, demonstrating strength, liveliness, and an incredible aptitude to learn against their varying hardships. The cinematography of Born into Brothels is hauntingly beautiful. The portrayal of Sonagachi—the lurid colors and noises of its narrow lanes, the gloomy interiors of its houses, and the gritty street life—are stark reminders of the human capacity for resilience in the most adversarial conditions. Similarly, the soundtrack by John McDowell is compelling and reinforces the film's emotional depth, making the audience connect with these children's heart-breaking yet inspiring world more poignantly. As much as the film shows the desolation of these children's lives, it is also a testament to how art can prove therapeutic, even liberating, allowing the children to take control of their narratives, which would otherwise be defined by their adversities. Apart from the emotional roller-coaster that this film takes the viewers on, it also sheds light on the wider social issues prevalent in societies worldwide. It brings up pressing questions about poverty, social injustice, lack of education, and child rights. But most importantly, it poses a critical question—from where these children are, can they move beyond their hopeless environment and aspire to a better future? What gives the film transcendent beauty is the children's infectious optimism and the humane spirit of Zana Briski who fights for their future—not just as a documentarian, but as an empathetic teacher who encourages these children to explore their potentials and dreams. Born into Brothels won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2005 and numerous other accolades. It is a relevant film, a poignant narrative that is both heart-breaking and inspiring in equal measures, where despite the prevailing darkness, there are gleams of hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Born into Brothels is a Documentary movie released in 2003. It has a runtime of 85 min.. Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 7.2. It also holds a MetaScore of 78.

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7.2/10
78/100
Director
Zana Briski,Ross Kauffman
Stars
Shanti Das, Puja Mukerjee, Avijit Halder, Suchitra
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