Born Into Brothels: Calcutta's Red Light Kids (2004)

Two documentary filmmakers chronicle their time in Sonagchi, Calcutta and the relationships they developed with children of prostitutes who work the city's notorious red light district.

Directors:

Zana Briski, Ross Kauffman

Writers:

Zana Briski, Ross Kauffman

Stars:

Kochi, Avijit Halder, Shanti Das

Won 1 Oscar. Another 18 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview:
Kochi
Avijit Halder	...	(as Avijit)
Shanti Das	...	(as Shanti)
Manik
Puja Mukerjee	...	(as Puja)
Gour
Suchitra
Tapasi
Mamuni

Storyline

Admist the apparent growing prosperity of India, there is a dark underbelly of poverty of another side of the nation that is little known. This film is a chronicle of filmmakers Zana Briski and Ross Kauffman's efforts to show that world of Calcutta's red light district. To do that, they inspired a special group of children of the prostitutes of the area to photograph the most reluctant subjects of it. As the kids excel in their new found art, the filmmakers struggle to help them have a chance for a better life away from the miserable poverty that threatens to crush their dreams.

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Plot Keywords:

red light district | prostitute | poverty | children | india | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some sequences of strong language

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site [Japan]

Country:

USA

Language:

Bengali English

Release Date:

29 July 2005 (Taiwan)

Also Known As:

The Kids of Sonagachi

Filming Locations:

Calcutta, West Bengal, India

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$10,580 (USA) (10 December 2004)

Gross:

$3,410,863 (USA) (20 May 2005)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Red Light Films, HBO/Cinemax Documentary, Sundance Institute Documentary Fund

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Mamuni: [from extra scene on the DVD] When I have the camera in my hand, it tickles my hand and I must take a picture right away.

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Connections

Referenced in The Office: The Delivery: Part 1 (2010)

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Soundtracks

"Sankarabaranam pancha nadai pallavi"
Performed by Shenkar and The Epidemics

User Reviews

An incredible and meaningful experience

This film should be seen by everyone who has any sense of what the world is and can be if we give our attention and empathy to make it a better place --in the background I hear the greed and anger of Donald Trump and it is so jarring (and sad) and disturbing ....it is absolutely amazing the dedication and caring of Zana Briski an Ross Kauffman and their attempt to support and change the destinies of these poor unfortunate children who are doomed to a life of humiliation, poverty and human degradation. It is uplifting to know that there are people who care --who are not driven by greed and avarice-- who will try , no matter what the odds are, no matter what are the bureaucratic difficulties to help and support these poor unfortunate children .. I know that I have been immensely moved by this film and what is going on in a place like the red light district of Calcutta and will do what I can to make some impact with these unfortunate children in all of the various venues that these people have chosen to work in and do these miraculous things that are they are doing.