FILM

We live in an audio-visual world. The power of film reaches at once the intellectual and emotional fiber of an individual, a culture, with its visceral images and stories. A film can literally change the world.

Films like Crash, An Inconvenient Truth, Children of Men, China Syndrome, The Graduate, All the President’s Men, Silkwood, Erin Brockovich and March of the Penguins have changed our lives forever.

Artists for Human Rights encourages and works with filmmakers to support, exhibit and produce films, documentaries, television shows, public service announcements that bring about greater awareness of our basic human rights.

TRADE

Taking the mask off of one of the most tragic secrets in the United States today.

On 27 September, Artists for Human Rights hosted a special Los Angeles screening of Roadside Attractions’ film Trade, starring Kevin Kline, directed by Marco Kreuzpainter and produced by Roland Emmerich and Rosiyln Heller; from the Academy Award nominated writer of Motorcycle Diaries. This gripping film takes the mask off of one of most tragic secrets in the United States today – there are more human beings trafficked in slavery in the United States today than before the Civil War. The story follows the lives of people from all over the world personally touched by this scourge and offers a glimpse of hope and redemption.

Held at the Landmark Theatre in Westwood, CA and attended by over 400 people including cast members and the producer. Donna Isham, President of Artists for Human Rights, introduced the film with an inspirational speech. The screening was followed by a riveting panel discussion. Panelists included: Tommy Calvert, Jr. from the Los Angeles Trafficking Coalition/Task Force; Dennis Caltron, President of the United States International Mission; Director/Producer of acclaimed human trafficking documentary film Cargo: Innocence Lost, Michael Cory Davis; and Mary Shuttleworth, President of Youth for Human Rights International.

CRASH

Inequities, Injustices of Modern Day Racism in America

Challenging and thought-provoking, CRASH takes a provocative, unflinching look at the complexities of racial tolerance in contemporary America. The directing debut of writer/producer and Artists for Human Rights Advisory Board member Paul Haggis (“Million Dollar Baby”), CRASH is the winner of three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

“… Paul Haggis – along with his cast and crew – have contributed to our city and nation’s dialogue about issues of racism and humanity. He is honored for his efforts to inspire and keep the dreams and ideals of social justice and equality alive and growing..."

CARGO

Spotlight on Sex Trafficking in USA

Human rights activists gathered to address the growing problem of human trafficking in Los Angeles and throughout the nation. A new docudrama that exposes trafficking in this country was premiered followed by a panel discussion. The film, Cargo: Innocence Lost, by award-winning film director Michael Cory Davis, unveils the dark underworld of sex trafficking. Cargo provides an insight into this human tragedy through interviews with some of the country’s top officials on the subject, victims’ advocates and victims themselves, who were rescued. The film is interwoven with a raw, intense narrative based on numerous true stories of victims.

Held at the International Celebrity Centre Garden Pavilion in Los Angeles, the event was co-organized by a number of Southern California groups united in the fight against human trafficking—now a $9.5 billion a year criminal industry worldwide. Human trafficking experts and law enforcement representatives dealing with this issue led the panel discussion and answered questions. For more information on Cargo: Innocence Lost, including upcoming screenings or how to request a screening for your group of 50 or more, please visit www.argoinnocencelost.com.

Tommy Calvert:
www.humantrafficking.org/organizations/427

Mary Shuttleworth:
www.youthforhumanrights.org/index.htm

Dennis Catron
www.usimhumanrights.org