Pretty Baby (1978)

Set in 1917, the story centers on a twelve-year-old girl who lives in a New Orleans brothel with her prostitute mother. In turn, she sells her daughter and a man named Bellocq takes a disturbing interest in the child. Based on true events, the film was screened at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was nominated for the Palme d'Or. Directed by Louis Malle and starring Brooke Shields and Susan Sarandon, the film generated much controversy due to its content.