I just watched an extraordinary documentary called "Born Into Brothels". Filmed in the miserable red-light 
district of Calcutta, India, the movie follows a group of children born and raised by their prostitute mothers and grandmothers. Directors Zana Brinski and Ross Kauffman chronicle the amazing transformation of these children as they discover hopeby being given cameras and photography lessons taught by the loving Zana Brinski.
The movie is both disturbing and inspirational and at times very painful to watch - seeing a barefooted, naked, two year old shackled and chained to a stone threshold, was a bit more than I could take. At the end, I was both hungry for more information about those children and the humanitarian programs involved in helping a few of those kids escape a future of "working the line" (prostitution).
When feeling sorry for yourself, please just watch this movie! The loveliness of these incredible kids will both uplift you AND make you realize just how lucky you are, even if, before the movie you thought that your life sucked.
This movie is NOT about sexual child abuse. It is simply about stoically accepting one's fate and grappling with the limitations of a life filled with hardship and misery, and the ability to transcend those imposed bounds. This movie is about the amazing human spirit; it's about resilience, love and most of all, it's about HOPE.
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Mirela: This sounds like an incredible movie. So sad... so incredibly sad what these children have had to go through. I think those who have forced this on them should be given a very painful punishment... very, very painful.
Hi Mirela,
WOW! It is hard to understand how someone can grow up in an environment like that, but I guess if you have never known anything else you really don't know what you are missing. How can others help?
The movie is NOT about sexual abuse. The movie is about being raised in that environment, and knowing that your fate is that of your mother and grandmother. It's stoic and matter of fact. The lessons of the movie are many.
The movie is uplifting and inspirational. It's about resilience and love and most of all... HOPE!
Bill, use the links included in the blog to watch the movie (you can watch right on your computer) by just clicking on the picture, or the link provided in the title of the movie. I've also included links to other sources of information regarding this movie and the project.
I saw this movie - it is a great story for everyone. I loved that she did teach them to use their personalities in photography. I think it is so important to teach children how to create art.
Irina: Yes, the human need for expression of the soul is universal. It transcends all bounds. I was so impressed by her efforts as a humanitarian, as a mentor, and a leader. Zana gets an A+ in my book.
It is not the envirement we envision our young growing up like that with limited opportunities or maybe thay become in spite of their envirement. We should all be greatful for the opportunites we have and can provide our yourn.
Pam: Absolutely! Gratitude begets more things to be grateful for... We have it so-o-o-o GOOD! Appreciation is certainly in order...
I'm going to make my 15 year old daughter and her girlfriends watch it this weekend. I'm having a slumber party for her 15-th Birthday, and this movie is MY choice for them to watch. Lucky for me, they will probably want to watch it. They all go to the same church several times a week, and they all participate in many worthy altruistic projects. This will just expose them to yet another dimension of "need".
Hi Mirela....wow......I'll watch it tomorrow....I have a 16 year old......you get to pick the movie? oh mama! they go to church several times a week? sigh....there was a time....
Liz, frankly I'm not too happy about that. It's a little too much church, if you ask me. She carries a little bible with her wherever she goes. It's so odd to watch them be normal teenagers and then they get so heavy into religion. They are involved in several worthy projects with the church, so I can't complain too much.
I have always moved in my own direction and I've had such a bohemian lifestyle, traveling the World and inventing the rules as I cruised along. My kids are both a lot more "square" than I am. My son, the Marine Lieutenant, is just like Amanda: very religious and with strict adherence to all the rules. They are both very happy individuals and this is who they are. It's probably easier for me, since I never have any drama from them...
This is definitely a painful movie to watch, but well worth it.
Mirela, I watched this about a month ago and found it to be fascinating!! The children had an incredible desire to better themselves against all odds. The odds being their mothers!!! I wanted to reach through the screen and knock some sense into these "moms". Incredible and heart breaking. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen.
My friend...you are much stronger than I am. I cannot watch children being hurt or abused in any way. It hurts me too much and I would be in tears. Take care my friend and have a good weekend.
George, I know what you mean. I can not read, or watch anything evil.
This movie is not about evil. It's about suffering. By being aware of it, we can become pro-active and work to effect change. It is in that spirit that I posted this blog.
The movie is about hope, magnanimity and the human spirit's resilience. The pain revealed in the movie moved me to action. I'm hoping that becoming aware of this situation moves other Rainers to do the same...