Zana Briski spent years working with the children of prostitutes in
Calcutta. She taught them photography and editing, and tried to
arrange for them to receive the education and influence that would
enable them to escape from the brothels and guettos into which they
were born. In this, we see that she is partially successful with the
group of children with whom she becomes particularly close.

Upon arriving in Calcutta, Briski's plan was to make a documentary
about the women of Indian brothels, often known as 'untouchables' in
reference to their outcast social status. We are given a glimpse of
their world on 'the line', the row of women huddled outside the brothels trying to attract customers, but in general, Briski found the women to be difficult to get close to and film, as many of the brothel residents seemed to meet her intrusion into their lives with scorn and hostility. The children of the brothels though, were another story.

Open and vivacious, they ingratiated themselves to her readily, and in
short order she had equipped some of them with simple cameras, and
held regular classes as to their use.

Many of the resultant photographs were beautiful and evocative, and
above all, unrehearsed and unposed. Several of the children displayed
significant talent and ability in the art, including 12-year old Ajivit, whose work earned him a week in Amsterdam as part of a world
youth photography program. Not long before, Ajivit's mother had been
killed by her pimp, who had set her on fire for a disobeience.

The film is at times difficult to watch, when one knows that many of
these playful, demure, extroverted, shy, bold, & inquisitive children
are destined to a life of prostitution, drug dealing and abject
poverty. At the same time, one can feel a palpable sense of hope
running through the hour and a half movie. The film has won a number
of richly deserved awards, including a nomination for Best Documentary at the Academy Awards.