Preface: Good Governance for a harmonious society

This is a documentary that focuses on the story of perhaps the most marginalized group of children in India. It takes viewers into the lives of children in Kolkata’s red-light district, Sonagachi, the heart of India’s sex trade. Directed by Zana Briski and Ross Kauffman, the film offers an intimate portrait of the children living in one of the most marginalized communities. It sheds light on the human side of a world that society often avoids—showing the potential, innocence, and talent that exist even in the darkest places.

The film grew from Briski’s initial visit to India in 1995, where she sought to study women’s issues such as child marriage, female infanticide, and dowry deaths. Her visit led her to Sonagachi, where she was overwhelmed by the life of sex workers and their children. Despite the community’s initial resistance, Briski persisted for months, gradually gaining access. She discovered that prostitution was a generational, forced tradition for women and girls, and although the males were not usually involved in the sex trade, the film avoids discussing explicit details.

Briski’s bond with the children deepened, and she taught them photography as a form of self-expression. The children embraced this new art form, capturing life around them with unique perspectives. This initiative turned into the Kids with Cameras project, and one of the children’s photos was exhibited in Amsterdam.

The documentary presents a hopeful message, showing the children’s talents and the possibility of a better life. Their photographs also helped them earn money, which supported their education. The film, praised for its sensitive and socially committed approach, received widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including an Oscar nomination in 2005.