Documentaries offer a powerful lens through which to understand the multifaceted world of sex work, challenging societal stigmas and humanizing the individuals involved. These films delve into the diverse experiences of sex workers, exploring issues of exploitation, agency, legal reform, and the daily realities of the profession. Here are seven documentaries that offer compelling and insightful perspectives on sex work:

1. "Caged Until 'Broken': Life for Mumbai's Prostitutes": This poignant short documentary sheds light on the lives of young women trafficked into Mumbai's Kamathipura district. Photojournalist Hazel Thompson captures their pain through raw visuals and unfiltered backstories. It is available on YouTube.

2. "Dance, Sex, Dance: The Hopes & Fears of Muzaffarpur's Red Light Sex Slaves": This film explores the transition from traditional dance performances to modern-day sex slavery and trafficking in Muzaffarpur. It unveils the disturbing realities behind these practices and is available on YouTube.

3. "Born Into Brothels": This Academy Award-winning documentary focuses on children raised in Kolkata's brothels, who become storytellers by using cameras to capture their lives and aspirations. Their photographs have been exhibited globally, offering a message of hope and visibility. It is available on Amazon Prime Video.

4. "Whores' Glory": This documentary, directed by Michael Glawogger, provides an unembellished look into the lives of sex workers in Thailand, Bangladesh, and Mexico. It focuses on their environments and interactions with clients, revealing their resilience, regrets, dreams, and the quest for dignity. In Bangkok, the film highlights a brothel where women are displayed behind glass walls. It is available on Amazon Prime Video. Critics have responded to the film with respect, with an 89% ranking on RottenTomatoes.com.

5. "The Prostitutes of Daulatdia": This documentary explores the lives of sex workers in Daulatdia, Bangladesh, one of the world's largest red-light districts. It portrays lives marked by abduction, extreme poverty, and dehumanization and is available on YouTube.

6. "Sold in America: The Workers": This film follows individuals involved in the sex trade in areas of the U.S. where it is legal. It also highlights the fight to decriminalize sex work in Washington, D.C., to improve living standards and is available on YouTube.

7. "Modern Whore": This hybrid documentary, directed by Andrea Werhun and Nicole Bazuin, challenges misconceptions about sex work. It uses interviews, reenactments, and personal stories to explore Werhun's experiences in the sex work industry and advocate for the rights and dignity of sex workers. The film seeks to expand the narrative of sex work beyond a singular experience, emphasizing the diversity of experiences and the importance of treating all individuals with respect and offering equal rights.

These documentaries offer a glimpse into a world often hidden from view, providing insights into the lives, struggles, and resilience of sex workers around the globe. By watching these films, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding sex work and challenge their own preconceived notions.