See the Underground World of a Street Family in Romania
Published 3 Nov 2017, 17:54 GMT, Updated 11 Nov 2017, 23:38 GMT
massimo branca bucharest tunnel life
Photograph by Massimo BrancaCatalina, 17 years old. After being abandoned at birth, she grew up in an orphanage, then lived on the street and in Bucharest's tunnels starting at age 12.
Photograph by Massimo BrancaDuring winter, up to 40 people occupy the tunnel to stay warm, living together in a space of only a few square meters.
Photograph by Massimo BrancaBoredom is common in the tunnels, with few available activities apart from using drugs. Although she started using intravenous drugs at age 13, Catalina also liked to write.
Photograph by Massimo BrancaWashed dishes and a copy of Leonardo da Vinci's painting
Photograph by Massimo BrancaCatalina and Bruce Lee (center) are seen during a blackout. Before the arrival of Lee—the de facto leader of the tunnels—the tunnels were only lit by candle.
Photograph by Massimo BrancaBranca says Catalina used to smile with caution and a little shame, because a couple of years earlier she had lost her front teeth.
Photograph by Massimo BrancaFor a while Catalina tried to stay off drugs. During this period she ate and slept most of the time, trying to recover and find relief from her pain.
Photograph by Massimo BrancaAfter a couple of weeks of abstinence, Catalina couldn’t resist using drugs any longer. She wrote: “It’s too late, I’m a drug addict and there is nothing left to do.”
Photograph by Massimo BrancaCatalina died on May 28, 2014, one month after she turned 18. Her boyfriend Santo, (bottom right), asked to be buried near her. He is also HIV-positive.
Photograph by Massimo Branca