Remember those cute little kids from Slumdog Millionaire?? Well, they're still living in the slums! Surprise, surprise, y'all! Being in a soon-to-be-Oscar-winning flick did not, in fact, improve their quality of life. Even more dastardly, the kiddies were reportedly paid meager sums to do the year's worth of work for the movie. WTF, Hollywood?! I mean, I don't know about you, but I am of the opinion that these kids should be afforded the same luxuries as America's child stars: fame, wealth, late-adolescent identity crisis, maybe a leaked naked photo here and there, and a VIP card at the Wonderland Center!
No, but for reals... this more than concerns me. Considering the fact that one of the most poignant things about the movie was it's matter-of-fact depiction of the conditions, issues, and options that children living in the slums of Mumbai face, I can't believe that anyone, in good conscience, could exploit them.
Danny Boyle has been cited to say that his production company has set up trust funds for the children that will entitle them to a "substantial amount" of money if they stay in school.
*Pause*.
Maybe I'm mistake, but it seems to me that making it to age 18 might be a little bit difficult as a "slumdog" in Mumbai.
Just saying...