The Kids With Cameras

"Art to me is a humanitarian act and I believe that there is a responsibility that art should somehow be able to effect mankind, to make the word a better place."
-Jeff Koons








I never fully understood the truth behind this quote until i recently had the pleasure to watch the moving documentary "Born Into Brothels," by Ross Kaufman and Zana Briski. This was an amazingly touching and eye-opening look into the lives of the children of the prostitutes and criminals of Calcutta, India. Zana Briski, a New York photographer, who lived in Calcutta's red-light district off and on for years grows very close to the children of the brothels. She gets a first hand look at their unthinkable living conditions and even more inevitable fates. Throughout this film, you too, feel close to these children. When you witness the extent of physical, emotional, mental, and sexual abuse they are subjected to everyday you feel helpless just watching."Auntie" Zana, as the children call her, takes the time to teach these children photography and gives them an outlet where they can be free to express their creativity, emotions, and find their own identities. Each and every child is surprisingly talented and their photos represent the sad beauty that is their lives. As she makes strong bonds with the children she works hard to try to help them have a chance at a better future. The very horror of the situation in India is revealed when Zana tries repeatedly to get these children into boarding schools. If the children get accepted to a boarding school then they have a chance at an education, are able to break free from their toxic family life, and have a shot at brighter futures. Sadly, in India, if you are the child of a criminal the schools will not accept you. Please take the time to watch this documentary! There are children in need and you can help make a difference in their lives by becoming aware of the situations!!! There are also ways you can help...

Zana put together showings of the children's work in order to help raise money to go towards their education and well-being. She has a website where you can also purchase the prints and those proceeds go towards them as well. Take the time to check them out and if you like some than why not buy one? Or you can pass it on to someone who may be interested!

Also, you can donate to the HOPE HOUSE project going on right now!!! This is a wonderful project that will allow the daughters of the red light districts to receive a free first-rate education, along with medical and mental health services, and assistance opportunities for the mothers to get their lives back in line. They are raising money now for the costs and construction of the facility. Find out about donating today!

MEET THE AMAZING & TALENTED CHILDREN OF "BORN INTO BROTHELS":






you can help by going to this website:

http://www.kids-with-cameras.org/home



for more info on HOPE HOUSE go to:

http://www.kids-with-cameras.org/school/