http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388789/This 2004 documentary follows nine children living in Calcutta’s red light district. Their mothers are prostitutes “working the line,” and their fathers are nonexistent, abusive, and/or tied to the current economic system of the neighborhood.
Zana Briski, a freelance photographer, was working on a documentary of the conditions. She found it very difficult to get anyone to open up to her, an outsider. She began teaching photography to the kids in the area, and in doing so got them to both trust her and create great art.
The life change in the kids was impressive, and a “3 years later” extra on the DVD showed how improved many of their lives were by the experience.
I was particularly struck by two things:
1. The parents had generally given up hope for themselves and their children. Some did not allow their kids to attend a nearby boarding school, which was disheartening. I couldn’t imagine not promoting the best for my children -- but then thought about times when it happens.
2. The kids took some incredible pictures with basic equipment (hand-me-down 35 mm cameras).
The film was awarded the Oscar for Best Documentary, and has since launched a movement: Kids With Cameras.
http://www.kids-with-cameras.org/
2. The kids took some incredible pictures with basic equipment (hand-me-down 35 mm cameras).
The film was awarded the Oscar for Best Documentary, and has since launched a movement: Kids With Cameras.
http://www.kids-with-cameras.org/
5 comments:
I've heard of this film, I really want to see it. Don't tell me you got this from Red Box?! That's my one beef with Red Box, you can't get foreign language films and documentaries.
"Slumdog Millionaire" is in town, I really want to see it. Interested?
Hmm...i never did see this despite all of the rave reviews. Probably ought to check it out.
Definitely check out 'Slumdog Millionaire'...one of only two movies that i was impressed with in 2008, the other being 'The Dark Knight'
The Red Box has a niche: timely blockbusters or other "likely to be grabbed by Wal-mart customers" films.
We got Born into Brothels from Movie Gallery. I have seen some "off the beaten path" movies at Gerbes -- $1 for 5 days.
I'm definitely up for Slumdog Millionaire, and Janelle is too. We'll have to work something out soon.
If you are going to make plans and not include people then you should not make plans in public places where the plans will be seen blah blah blah.
Laurie and I would like to see the movie too but we'll do it on our own time thanks.
Sorry. Next time I'll send you a direct e-mail to let you know you're not invited. :-)
(Note the official use of the smiley to denote joking/sarcasm. It's an important tool in the online blog/discussion board toolbox.)
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