Rooms of Shadow and Light (2001)

Set in the red light district of Mumbai, the film follows social worker Vinay's dedication to combat the spread of HIV and to bring help and dignity to the lives of the women and trans people working there. "He believes his efforts can change something, and he loves the girls and women in the small rooms of shadow and light. The same basic human love emanates from the film. This has demanded great respect, a distinct filmmaker's viewpoint and an appreciation of cinematic language that not only depicts the lives of poor Indian prostitutes among the dregs of society, but also conveys the emotion that these women endure their fate through humour and by caring for each other. Director John Webster successfully lets us look at this world of poverty and hopelessness without making us feel like intruders. The women talk to the film crew with a trust that must have been established over a long period of time." -Tue Steen Muller for Modern Times Review.