Calcutta

Tonight roommate "J" and I watched a documentary about the red light district in Calcutta, India.  The movie specifically told the story of a photographer who wanted to depict the lives of those who lived in brothels, and because of their shyness, and immediate reaction to ducking away from the camera, etc., she realized that she fully had to immerse herself by living there, becoming a part of their family.  With submerging herself into the environment, she was exposed to the children and became very close with them.

In return, she began to teach the children photography.  She got them each an automatic 35mm of sorts and began holding class, teaching them the basics of point and shoot techniques, how to use a flash, and also worked on aspects such as composition, point of view, etc.  What is truly remarkable is how talented these kids are, and I'd guess the oldest was no more than 12 years old.   They have one fantastic shot after another, and during class discussions, the insight that these children have just put you in awe.

The sad reality is that for the most part, the children are doomed toward a life "in the line."  As many say, their families are criminals, they have a difficult time being accepted into boarding schools because they don't want to accept children whose parents come from backgrounds of drugs, selling alcohol illegally, prostitution... the bigger upset is the fact that the photographer realizes that these children could definitely be carriers of HIV.  A pivotal point of the movie is after she gets everyone's blood tested at the doctor's office, and they're all negative -- phew.

Through support of foundations, and other prominent photographers, the children have their pictures in the Amnesty International Calendar, they have an auction at Sotheby's, all of the proceeds donated going towards their education (if they can get in anywhere).  One young artist in particular is chosen to go to Holland for an International children's photographers programme.  Here they get to share their photos and also look at photos from all around the world.  The headache that they go through to try to get this little boy a passport is unbelievable.  India being the most densely populated country in the world is one thing -- can you imagine having to stand around the regional Passport office for 8-10 hours in total chaos to try to get your passport?  Thank God they're successful, I would have had a fit.

The photographer relentlessly tries to get these children into various boarding schools to get them out of the red light district.  At the end, she is successful in getting a vast majority of them accepted-- but by the end of the film, we find out that there are only probably 3 out of the 8 children that stay in their respective schools.

The movie is amaaaazing.

"Born into Brothels"

See it.