Human trafficking on the big screen – ACT Alberta

As the issue of human trafficking has received increasing attention in recent years, so have depictions of human trafficking on the big screen. Increasing public awareness is an important step in the fight against human trafficking. However, the growth of public knowledge about human trafficking raises a number of important questions: now that people are aware of human trafficking, what do they know and where did they get that information?

Think about the depictions of high school that you see in movies and TV shows. Everyone looks like a supermodel, the school is divided into a wide variety of cliques, and occasionally the entire cafeteria breaks out into song. Not exactly an accurate representation of the average high school experience. Likewise, the portrayal of human trafficking we see on the big screen often lacks context, is heavily stereotyped, sensationalized, and downright inaccurate.

Myths from movies

Depictions of human trafficking in movies and TV shows often reinforce common misconceptions and stereotypes about what human trafficking looks like.

Myth #1: Victims of human trafficking are always kidnapped or taken by force

In Takentwo girls are kidnapped from their hotel room and taken by force. While this does happen in some cases, it is extremely rarer than the movies would have you believe. In reality, the recruitment process is often non-violent and sometimes takes a long time. Traffickers use tactics such as manipulation and deception, and false promises of jobs, education or better living conditions or quality of life to lure victims.

Myth No. 2: Sex trafficking is the only form of human trafficking

Sex trafficking is the main form of exploitation seen in cinema, ignoring other forms of human trafficking. In Taken, The WhistleblowerAnd The sound of freedomevery victim is trafficked for sex. There are many more forms of human trafficking that we rarely see in the cinema. These include labor trafficking, domestic servitude, organ trafficking and forced marriage. In short, sexual exploitation deserves attention, but an exclusive focus on sex trafficking ignores the broader spectrum of human trafficking.

Myth #3: Victims of human trafficking are always physically confined or restrained

The films often show victims of human trafficking locked in a room or cage, or physically restrained in some way. While this may be true in some cases, traffickers often use psychological manipulation, threats, and coercion to control their victims, as opposed to physical violence. Victims may appear ‘free’ but cannot escape due to fear, manipulation, or lack of alternatives (perceived or real).

Myth #4: Only women and girls are trafficked

While it is true that women and girls are trafficked, people of all gender identities experience human trafficking. The gender-exclusive portrayal of human trafficking we often see on the big screen ignores the experience of male, transgender and non-binary victims who may be trafficked for sexual exploitation, labor and other forms of abuse.

Myth #5: Salvation is the end of the story

In true Hollywood fashion, a dramatic rescue often rounds out the cinematic human trafficking experience. Movies often show that once a victim is rescued, the ordeal is over and the victim quickly returns to normal life. In reality, salvation is not the end, but rather the beginning of the complex and ongoing process of recovery. Survivors of human trafficking face long-term physical and psychological problems. The rescue narrative also denies the survivor their help and fails to demonstrate the incredible strength and resilience of survivors.

What we can do

Increasing awareness about human trafficking is one good thing. However, it is important to consider where the information we get comes from. Make a conscious effort to learn about the realities of human trafficking through trusted sources, such as peer-reviewed reports and survivor-led initiatives. Support films, documentaries and TV shows that provide a more nuanced and accurate picture of human trafficking. Raise awareness of content that avoids sensationalism and focuses on victims’ experiences. And finally, counter the sensational stories you see on social media by sharing accurate information from reputable sources on your own social media feeds.

Conclusion

Our relationship with these images of human trafficking is complex. While the dramatic, compelling and emotional stories we see in TV shows and movies capture our attention, they often do not reflect how human trafficking manifests in real life. Think about how you’ve seen human trafficking depicted in movies, TV shows, and other forms of media, and how you can promote the spread of accurate and trauma-informed information rather than dramatized stories.