ABOUT THE PROJECT

LOGLINE
ILLICIT TRADE is a journey into the sex trafficking industry as told through survivor stories and those who help them heal.

SYNOPSIS
The ILLICIT TRADE documentary mission is to create awareness and inspire positive action through authentic survivor stories and compelling expert content that will change viewers’ perspectives on the insidious sex trafficking trade.

ILLICIT TRADE delves into the alarming rise of sex trafficking in the U.S. Fueled by greed, demand, social media, and other digital influences, we are experiencing a perfect storm for exploitation in our communities. Exploitation and trafficking occur every day, in public places such as airports, hotels, truck stops, and shopping malls as well as private homes.

ILLICIT TRADE delivers a solutions-driven look at the insidious world of sex trafficking by first exposing the gravity of these crimes, and seeing them through the lens of homeland security officials, medical professionals and trained activists. Throughout the documentary, survivors tell their compelling stories of transformation, trauma healing, and how they now provide support to fellow survivors. To hear a woman who was once in “the life” share her story about earning her doctorate in social work and leading investigations to find missing and exploited people is truly inspiring.

It is perplexing to begin to understand how these crimes are perpetuated. Why does an exploiter exploit? Why does a sex buyer purchase sex? How does a victim become loyal to their trafficker? Who is at risk? We explore these themes through a trauma-informed lens and dissect them in order to widen the public’s perspectives about the epidemic of exploitative crimes in this country. We also provide a survivor’s vantage point, as understanding this social issue can fuel compassion and can inspire one to make a difference in the anti-exploitation space.

Because these stories are so remarkable, the documentary gives practical ways anyone can combat sex trafficking, from volunteering for non-profits to creating awareness to keeping a watchful eye when traveling or spending time in public places.

The focus of this humanitarian project is not only to share survivor stories, but also to identify solutions to deterring sex trafficking and online exploitation, as well as highlight evidence-based, trauma-informed modalities to heal.

PROJECT TYPE Documentary Feature

DIRECTOR Tacy Mangan
SCREENWRITER Rosie Cataldo, Tacy Mangan
PRODUCER Tacy Mangan
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Rosie Cataldo
Cinematographer Kristian Dane Lawing

WEBSITE conduitpathmedia.com

ID: 745