Born Into Brothels: Calcutta's Red Light Kids (2003)

96% of critics liked it
(105 reviews)
90% of users liked it
(13,214 ratings)

Born Into Brothels is a documentary about the inspiring non-profit foundation Kids With Cameras, which teaches photography skills to children in marginalized communities. In 1998, New York-based photographer Zana Briski started photographing prostitutes in the red-light district of Calcutta. She… More Born Into Brothels is a documentary about the inspiring non-profit foundation Kids With Cameras, which teaches photography skills to children in marginalized communities. In 1998, New York-based photographer Zana Briski started photographing prostitutes in the red-light district of Calcutta. She eventually developed a relationship with their children, who were fascinated by her equipment. After several years of learning in workshops with Briski, the kids created their own photographs with point-and-shoot 35 mm cameras. Their images capture the intimacy and color of everyday life in the overpopulated sections of Calcutta. Proceeds from the sale of the children's photographs go to fund their future education. Directed by Briski and filmmaker Ross Kauffman, Born Into Brothels was shown at the Sundance Film Festival in 2004 as part of the documentary competition. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 25 min.
Directed By: Ross Kauffman, Zana Briski
Genres: Documentary, Musical & Performing Arts, Special Interest

In Theaters: Dec 8, 2004 Wide
On DVD: Sep 20, 2005
Studio: Think Film

Critic Reviews

Richard Nilsen, Arizona Republic
One feels manipulated rather than enlightened.
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
A beautifully made essay on a filmmaker's efforts to teach the children of Calcutta's prostitutes the fine art of photography.
Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune
It's one of the most inspiring finales I've seen in a long while.
Chris Vognar, Dallas Morning News
Born Into Brothels is great humanitarianism, but it's not great filmmaking.
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer
Beautifully filmed, and devoid of the kind of patronizing beneficence that First Worlders often bring to the Third World.
Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper
This is a film about our world that deserves the attention and the audience that Michael Moore's films command.
Jay Antani, Cinema Writer
an absorbing journey over gritty social terrain, driven by a fierce sense of purpose
Kam Williams, NewsBlaze
In the end, you can't help but wonder exactly what it was you've just seen. A hard-hitting exposé? Voyeuristic slumming? A true tale of triumph, against all odds? A self-aggrandizing, vanity biopic? Some new type of reality film?Perhaps all of the above.
Beth Accomando, KPBS.org
This bond of trust between the filmmakers and their subjects exemplifies the kind of personal involvement that many documentary makers are striving for these days.
Jeffrey Overstreet, Looking Closer
As bright as a box of new crayons, and just as full of creative potential, these children give us vibrant pictures of hope in the midst of oppression.
Kam Williams, Princeton Town Topics
In the end, you can't help but wonder exactly what it was you've just seen. A hard-hitting exposé? Voyeuristic slumming? A true tale of triumph, against all odds? A self-aggrandizing, vanity biopic? Some new type of reality film?Perhaps all of the above.
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena
Profundamente comovente e trágico, apesar de suas óbvias falhas estruturais e %u2013 o mais grave %u2013 de pisar em um terreno instável em seu aspecto ético.
Robert Roten, Laramie Movie Scope
The children themselves are mostly upbeat and often happy. At the same time, they have an adult-like realization that their lives are likely to be short, and grim.
Linda Cook, KWQC-TV (Iowa)
Every thinking adult should see this compelling Oscar-nominated documentary.
Mark Pfeiffer, Reel Times: Reflections on Cinema
Born Into Brothels simmers with righteous anger, but it never boils over.

Read all 15 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Wahida K

A story and a message that should be told as much as possible. My Mother tends to say, do whatever you want, but when a Hungry Human is standing infront of your Door no matter if he/she your foe, never send them away hungry. Feed them.
Randy T

A hard watch but a story that needed to be told.
Leigh R

Wonderful documentary.
Dannielle A

An unforgettable documentary capturing the dark underbelly of poverty and forced prostitution within the Red Light District of Calcutta, India. The movie focuses on the sons and daughters of prostitutes who hope and dream for a better life. Definitely a heart-breaker! Personally, I… More
An unforgettable documentary capturing the dark underbelly of poverty and forced prostitution within the Red Light District of Calcutta, India. The movie focuses on the sons and daughters of prostitutes who hope and dream for a better life. Definitely a heart-breaker! Personally, I teared up a lot.
Sunil J

A must-see and heartbreaking but could have been better made.
Wu C

Great doc.