Born into Brothels

Watched this amazing movie last night. A photographer from NY spends some time with the children in the streets of Sonagachi, Calcutta. The movie potrays the helplessness of the kids that are born to these sex workers, especially the girls who are marked to become a part of this ever consuming flesh trade. The conditions these kids live in is something that cannot be put into words, I think only experience can make you aware of their incapacity to get out of this world and the pain such resignation brings with it.

And very enderingly it bring out the fact that all kids are equals, they have the same squabbles, the same laughter, the same sense of comraderie and above all the same innocence. Why is then that they are born into such situations so that there is no freedom from their shackles? Why is it that they are doomed for life? These children need more care and attention than the prostitutes themselves, still the society turns a blind eye to their existence. It does not provide any means of escape from such a shithole... Can such a cold and heartless society even justify its existence?

The lady, Zana Briski, teaches the kids how to take photographs and I was REALLY AMAZED at some of their compositions. Some of them were the most beautiful pictures I had ever seen, the line, the shapes and the tones were all just perfect. It was wonderful to see the way their creativty was given a vent to grow and enrich. The movie in itself is really well made and beautifully shot. And ultimately the impact that the movie has on these children's life is great.

But its really sad that this movie had to be directed by a foreigner. Sometimes it takes someone from outside to show you whats ailing within you...

Would I have ever gone to Sonagachi to do something like this for the kids? Maybe not... But yeah maybe some time in the future.