Movies and Books

Here is a list of movies that we have found helpful in learning more about the issues of human trafficking.  We have indicated which movies are especially graphic (though of course, as movies about slavery, you will still want to use discretion in showing them to children).

• Top Ten Facts About the 'S' Word is a two and a half minute video giving a brief overview of slavery today.
• Slavery 101 gives a twelve minute description of slavery by telling the stories of many slaves from around the world.
• Dreams Die Hard documents the stories of people who came to the United States with the hope of a better life so they could help their families back home.  Instead, they soon realized that they were slaves - some in domestic and s_xual slavery and some in labor slavery.  This film tells their story.
• Triggering Hope is a "7 minute documentary showing how entire communities are breaking free from slaveholders."
• One Man's Mission describes how one man is seeking to change his business and community into a slave free zone.
• Invisible Children: Rough Cut [Graphic] describes the plight of children forced into the military in Africa from the perspective of three college students. (Here is the trailer for this film and you can buy it here.)
• The Silent Revolution, a documentary, describes how slaves in India are learning to free themselves and to live in freedom.
• Freedom and Beyond follows the stories of boys who were enslaved in India as they are rescued and restored to their families.

Below are some books that we have found helpful in researching the issue of slavery.  Note that because of the nature of slavery, these books are quite graphic at times.

• "From Congress to the Brothel" is written by Linda Smith, a former representative, and founder of Shared Hope, International.  "In these pages, you'll meet several of the victims.  You'll encounter their astonishing, heart-rending accounts...but you'll also witness their thrilling transformations.  This is a shocking story - at times, you may want to turn away - yet it is a story of real hope, the kind of hope that changes the world.  It may even change you."
• "Not for Sale: The Return of the Global Slave Trade - and How We Can Fight It", by David Batstone.  While detailing stories of former slaves, David also describes what organizations and everyday people are doing to stop slavery.  Distressing at times, this book also offers hope: there are abolitionists out there doing their part to end slavery.  What is your part?