First Sight: Sonia & Anita | Photo Credits: Brent Stirton/Getty Images for Blue Chalk Media
While their parents work in the field behind them, Sonia carries her younger sister Anita in the rain.
The sisters being bathed by their mother.
West Bengal State, India
Anita is caressed by her mother while bathing.
Sonia and Anita at home with their mother.
Anita is awake as the rest of her family sleeps.
Blind sisters Anita and Sonia prior to their journey.
The family begins their travels to the hospital.
Candidates being screened at the eye clinic.
The nurses prepare the girls for surgery.
The parents anxiously wait while a patient passes by.
Sonia in her last few moments of blindness.
The doctor performs the cataract surgery.
Sonia's bandages are removed as Anita is embraced by her mother.
Anita is drawn to the light immediately after her bandages were removed.
Sonia receiving an eye exam after her surgery.
Upon her return, Anita is hoisted in the air by a jubilant crowd in her village.
The sisters explore the local environment wearing their new glasses.

First Sight: Sonia & Anita

Jan. 1, 2014
About the Project

Blue Chalk traveled to India and documented the story of two sisters, both born blind, and followed them through the emotional process of receiving their surgeries and seeing for the first time. Working with a top-tier creative team including photographer Brent Stirton, cinematographer Robert Wilson, editor Greg Snider, music composer Tyler Strickland and executive producer Rob Finch, Blue Chalk created a short-form video in several different formats to support as well as a collection of high-quality still images. 

"This video of two sisters seeing for the first time will warm your heart." - Buzzfeed

“Watching as the girls view their surroundings for the first time is unforgettable.” - Elite Daily

“Their reactions left us speechless.” - First to Know

“Of the charity’s many success stories, the saga of Sonia and Anita was captured by filmmakers in what may be the most beautiful three-and-half-minute video ever made.” - Mother Nature Network

“The moment when the bandages are removed is powerful beyond words.” - Viral Forest

Contributors
  • Brent Stirton/Getty Images, Co-Director
  • Robert Wilson, Co-Director
  • Greg Snider, Editor
  • Tyler Strickland, Music Composer
  • Drew Jordan, Motion Graphics
  • Rob Finch, Executive Producer
  • Catherine Yrisarri, Producer
Services Provided
  • Original Cinematography
  • Original Still Photography
  • Post-Production