Zana Briski is a remarkably talented and versatile English creative force, whose impressive range of skills encompasses not only the visual arts, but also the world of filmmaking and social activism.
At the remarkably early age of 10, a spark was ignited within her, marking the commencement of a lifelong passion for photography. This nascent interest would eventually evolve into a profound and abiding dedication to the art form.
After attaining a master's degree from the esteemed University of Cambridge, she embarked upon furthering her expertise in documentary photography at the internationally renowned International Center of Photography, situated in the vibrant city of New York.
In the year 1995, Zana Briski embarked upon her inaugural expedition to the Indian subcontinent, where she conceptualized and produced a poignant and impactful narrative that shed light on the devastating and insidious phenomenon of female infanticide, a practice that has far-reaching and devastating consequences for the lives of countless women and girls.
Two years later, in the year 1997, Zana Briski returned to India, where she initiated a groundbreaking and pioneering project focused on the lives and experiences of the sex workers residing in Calcutta's notorious and infamous red-light district. This project would ultimately prove to be a transformative and life-changing endeavor that would have a profound and lasting impact on her life and career.
Through her work with the sex workers of Calcutta, Zana Briski developed a deep and abiding passion for the children of these women, who were often born into and growing up in the midst of great hardship and adversity. Her experiences with these children would ultimately lead her to create a life-changing and empowering program that aimed to provide them with the education, support, and opportunities they so desperately needed and deserved.
Briski's remarkable professional journey has been marked by a multitude of prestigious recognitions and fellowships, which have not only acknowledged her exceptional talent but also provided her with valuable opportunities to hone her craft and make a meaningful impact.
Among her many notable achievements, Briski has been awarded the esteemed George Soros' Open Society Institute Fellowship, a testament to her dedication to using her art to promote social change and understanding.
In addition, she has received an Alicia Patterson Journalism Fellowship in the year 2000, which enabled her to conduct research and photography in the brothels of India, a project that likely deepened her insight into the complex issues surrounding human trafficking and exploitation.
Furthermore, Briski has been the recipient of a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship, a recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of photojournalism.
Lastly, she has been honored with the Howard Chapnick Grant for the Advancement of Photojournalism, a prestigious award that acknowledges her commitment to using her work to shed light on important social and political issues.
Briski, a talented individual, and her esteemed co-director, Ross Kauffman, were the recipients of generous grants from the prestigious Sundance Institute, the Jerome Foundation, and the New York State Council on the Arts, all of which recognized the exceptional quality of their remarkable film, Born into Brothels.
This outstanding documentary, which garnered widespread critical acclaim, went on to win the coveted Best Documentary Feature award at the 77th Academy Awards, held in 2005, a testament to the exceptional storytelling and filmmaking skills of Briski and Kauffman.
Born into Brothels, a film that has left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide, is a powerful and poignant portrayal of the lives of children born into the sex trade in Sonagachi, Kolkata, India, and the tireless efforts of Zana Briski, a photographer and filmmaker, to educate and empower these young individuals.
Through her work, Briski aimed to raise awareness about the plight of these children, who are often forced into prostitution at a young age, and to provide them with the tools and support necessary to break the cycle of poverty and exploitation.
The success of Born into Brothels is a testament to the power of filmmaking to inspire change and to the dedication and perseverance of Briski and Kauffman, who worked tirelessly to bring this important story to the big screen.
A renowned humanitarian and visionary, Briski, the pioneering force behind the esteemed non-profit organization Kids With Cameras, has committed herself to a lifelong crusade of elevating the circumstances and prospects of youngsters hailing from underprivileged backgrounds, thereby fostering a brighter, more hopeful future for these impressionable and deserving young individuals.
