Born Into Brothels Documentary

Documentary is the creative interpretation of reality according to British film maker John Grierson. Reality in its natural form is too complex to be re-created and therefore documentaries offer a particular version of reality. The creators own personal values, attitudes and judgments influence this reconstructed form of reality and use symbolic, written, technical and audio codes to help persuade it's audience to accept their version. This occurred in the documentary ‘Born into Brothels' directed by Zana Briski and Ross Kauffman.

Born into Brothels documents the lives of eight local children for a on and off period of two years. Zana Briski initially went to India to photograph the prostitutes but when meeting their children came to feel that the children might be saved or given hope by
Hopefulness and hopelessness; amazement and shock at human nature; sadness at the overwhelming poverty, filth and indifference of a society that lets a community like this exist and yet tremendous happiness at the children's joy in living their lives with innocent play and indestructible ambition. The kitchen fire scene is one scene that leaves viewers feeling a mixture of feelings such as those described. The scene where Zana Briski enquires about the kitchen fire is then juxtaposed with the images of the five girls and three boys laughing and playing happily or excitedly taking pictures with their cameras. This proves to be an ironic contrast and it brings to the attention of the viewers, exactly how the children live, showing the uncivilized environment they have to grow up in. This can be universally interpreted as a wake up call to many people around the world who are well off and do not know or care for those with no positive future to look forward to. It successfully brings into view the harsh reality of human inequality in society and the directors succeed in presenting this in a way to enlighten spirits and provide