Born into Brothels

In Calcutta's red light district, over 7,000 women and girls work as prostitutes. Only one group has a lower standing: their children. In 1998, Zana Briski, first prize at the World Press Photo Foundation Competition, traveled to India to work on a project on the prostitutes of Calcutta's red light district. Living in the brothels for months at a time, she quickly developed a relationship with many of the kids who, often terrorized and abused, were drawn to the rare human companionship she offered.
Fascinated by her camera, Zana thought it would be great to see the world through their eyes. It was at that moment that she had the idea of teaching photography to the children forced to confront daily with their original sin: being born into brothels.
Photography for these children is more than an activity, it is a tool which allows them to express themselves, which they are deprieved of. A mean to tell their story, their wishes and to emancipate. It is their chance to be children.
This project led to the documentary Born into Brothels, which won "Best Documentary" at the 77th edition of the Academy Awards and gave a new life to some of them.




www.bornintobrothels.com
www.kids-with-cameras.org