Born into Brothels: Calcutta’s Red Light Kids is a 2004 Indian-American documentary film about the children of prostitutes in Sonagachi, Kolkata’s red light district. The widely acclaimed film, written and directed by Zana Briski and Ross Kauffman, won a string of accolades including the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2005 and was shown again at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival in an anniversary screening.

The score, which won Best Musical Score at the Bend Film Festival in 2004 was written and performed by John McDowell and features vocalist Sabina Sciubba, vocalist Krishna Das, flutist Steve Gorn, tabla player Ty Burhoe, and sitarist Allyn Miner

“The music by John McDowell, featuring both chanting and Western sounds, ideally complements the action. “Born into Brothels” is a triumph of the spirit for all involved. “ — The Hollywood Reporter