"Born Into Brothels - Calcutta's Red Light Kids", a documentary telling the story of children in the eastern Indian metropolis' brothels, won the Oscar this year for the Best Documentary Feature.

Made by documentary filmmakers Zana Briski and Ross Kauffman, "Born..." tracks specific children in Sonagachi, Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, as they mature into seasoned photographers in the backdrop of desolate conditions.

Receiving the award, Briski, the photographer who originally spent time in brothels and urged Kauffman to make the movie said: "We thank the kids. They are watching in Calcutta."

Briski, who has spent years with the kids and literally become a part of their lives, gave the children lessons and cameras, sparking genius in some and catapulting their plight to the worldview.

Released in December 2004, the film has travelled the world in various film festivals, winning over 40 awards.

"In Calcutta's red light district appears a group of unforgettable children. Feisty, courageous and wickedly funny, these children of prostitutes embark on a transformational journey with photographer Zana Briski, who teaches them to photograph their own lives," the film's website says.

The project Kids with Cameras that worked with Red Light Films to make the movie now aims at raising funds and awareness through supportive materials such as photo exhibits and book sales, for which the children themselves would supply photographs.

The most stigmatised people in Kolkata's red light areas are not the prostitutes, but their children, the filmmakers say.

"In the face of abject poverty, abuse and despair, these kids have little possibility of escaping their mothers' fate or for creating another type of life."

But with the chronicling of the children's transformation by Zana Briski and Ross Kaufman, millions around the world have become aware of their lives.

Awards won by "Born..." so far include those from Sundance Film Festival 2004, Amnesty International Film Festival, L.A. Film Critics, International Documentary Association and Human Rights Watch 2004.