‘Powerful’ documentary on human trafficking being screened in Ilford
Street Pastor co-ordinator Monica Abdala - Credit: Archant
A charity will be screening a powerful documentary as part of its Safer Space Project – an initiative to increase awareness about human trafficking.
A charity will be screening a powerful documentary tomorrow as part of its Safer Space Project – an initiative to increase awareness about human trafficking.
Redbridge and Havering Street Pastors will hold a showing of American film Nefarious: Merchant of Souls at Kings Church, Granville Road, Ilford, as part of the project launched last year.
“This is one of the most powerful, compelling and transformational documentaries ever made on human trafficking,” said Monica Abdala, co-ordinator of Redbridge and Havering Street Pastors.
“In the last month alone we have known of eight cases of human trafficking in our borough. This is alarming and shocking.”
It is hoped the film will help equip people to identify the signs of human trafficking and respond to what has become known as “21st century slavery”.
The documentary, directed by Matthew Dickey and Benjamin Nolot, has won dozens of awards internationally including Best Feature Documentary at the 2011 California Film Awards.
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Since the film’s initial release it has been translated into 21 languages and completed several global tours.
Speaking to the Christian Broadcasting Network last year, Benjamin said that the purpose of the film is “to draw people’s attention to the issue, but also to inspire them in terms of what they can be doing … to take a stand against this injustice”.
Cllr Balvinder Saund, chairman of the Sikh Women’s Alliance, said that the issue of trafficked sex workers is something that is often overlooked.
“It is very important that we start talking and open up about this issue. Many of these girls do not speak English and are afraid to speak out.”
Doors at Kings Church open at 7pm. Entry is free but a ticket is required. To book, call 020 8554 5850, or email redbridge@streetpastors.org.uk
