Siddharth

Disappearances occur all over the world. In Hollywood films they conveniently happen to families who are talented, dynamic or rich enough to turn over heaven and earth to reunite with their lost loved ones. In Siddharth a twelve year old boy disappears from a family that collectively earns four dollars a day. In their world bus and train tickets, a hotel room or a meal apart from home, are all luxuries they cannot afford. In this true story a father sleeps on the city streets and a mother sells her only belongings in their efforts to find their son Siddharth. Relatives, the overburdened police, parents, charities and businesses are all helpful in looking for the boy and simultaneously complicit in his disappearance. There are no easy answers. While the film could use some help with cinematography, acting and depth, it is a fascinating and poignant glimpse into the underworld of India and the child disappearances that occur there.