Born Into Brothels : An Update

It's been over four years here since I headlined
a Blog link about Zana Briski, the Photographer
whose inspired Photography classes for the children
of Prostitutes in Kolkata, India turned into a
stunning Documentary film entitled
'Born Into Brothels'

Since then there have been some developments
as amazing as the Oscar-winning film itself. Like
Kids With Cameras, a worldwide Non-Profit

organization with branches in Jerusalem, Haiti and
Cairo. The Founders of this Charitable Cause are the
same ones who created the original film, Ross Kaufman 
and Geralyn White Dreyfous who say of themselves,

"We use photography to capture the imaginations

of children, to empower them, building confidence,

self-esteem and hope"

And their ongoing efforts have indeed done just that,

judging by the latest update on one student,
Avijit Halder

who started shooting pictures at age 11. His pure, raw

talent led him to Exhibitions and Awards in cities as distant

as New York and Amsterdam. Rather than give away

all the fascinating details of his and the other childrens'

success, I'll let the links open your minds via the updates.

Suffice it to say that this child born to a Prostitute in

a Brothel in an Indian slum is now busy studying film-making

at Tisch School of Arts at NYU and has already produced

some intriguing YouTube versions of his work !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxizWmDwqeY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FIb2fljhmU

Avijit needs funds to cover his education at NYU. His

life outcome and talent hang precariously in these hard

economic times. And so he asks those who are appreciative

and able to consider purchasing Postcards of his photos.

Learn more by clicking on this link.

Update Feb 7th 2010 from the BBC  
Not all the children who featured in Born into
Brothels have been so lucky.

Earlier Updates from the Kids With Cameras site 

Suchitra, 14

"When I have a camera in my hands I feel happy.

I feel like I am learning something...I can be someone."