Reality Check

Have you seen Born into Brothels? I, generally, find documentaries on India and other "third world" countries made by people from the "first world" to be patronizing; however, this film moved me.

The film has an impact because of the children in it. Some of the most profound and powerful moments are when the children comment on each other and their situation.

In the film Avijit, (one of the children) an immensely talented artist and photographer states,

"There is nothing called hope in my life."

Later, as he examines a photograph taken by another child photographer he declares that,

"...there is sadness [in the photo] and it's hard to face because it's the truth."

Most of us do what we can when we have the time to help out with charitable causes. Some people help out more than others. Zana Briski (the photographer that taught the children) shows us the challenges of trying to help. Her organization, Kids With Cameras is committed to helping children all around the world.

It seems as if her organization reinforces what Robert Motherwell once said, "Art is much less important than life, but what a poor life without it."

The photographs give new meaning to the lives of these children. For every child Briski helps though, there are a million that cannot be reached. Yet this film depicts clearly the difference one person can make.

November 18, 2005