Saturday, June 7, 2008

Impressions on Born into Brothels

This is a film/documentary about a photographer called Zana Briski who went to India to take pictures and do some work about the women in the Red Light District in India. She got involved with the children of the brothels as a mean for her work but eventually, she became interested on allowing them to use cameras to take pictures. The film shows a cruel reality that these children and families were living. There was a lot of harsh language toward these kids, but they took it quietly. They were aware that their parents were prostitutes, but yet, they showed their respect to them by touching their feet before they were leaving their homes. Some of them were the third generation on this "profession." It amazed me how even when these children were living in such limitation, working so hard at home, doing all kind of chores and taking on the tasks of grownups, they were still children that teased, kid around and enjoyed going in outings; loving the beach and not afraid to show their emotions. These children learned about photography and took photos, amazing photos I might say. Their photos showed the impression of their world as viewed through their young eyes. Zana, maybe not intentionally began to care deeply for these kids and even when at first, she thought she was not going to be able to do anything for these kids, she actually was the force that eventually changed most of their lives. It really made me think about how lucky I, my children, grandchildren are to be blessed with such a different life. These children were forced to mature quickly; their focus in what is important in life is so different to the main focus of many children in our society. These children wanted to get a good education and to be able to have a successful life, getting a better education. Videogames and fashion, was not as essential as for most of the children in America. These kids inspired me and at the same time made me think about maybe I can do something for other kids if I put the passion that Zana put into this project.

No comments: