The Abolitionists 2016 - Documentary about rescuing child sex slaves
05-16-16, 10:05 PM
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The Abolitionists 2016 - Documentary about rescuing child sex slaves
When I go to a movie, it is usually to be entertained. But last night, I attended the premiere of a documentary at a Fathom event that opened my eyes and informed me on a subject that I knew fleetingly little about.
Called “The Abolitionists”, it is the real life behind-the-scenes account of efforts by the private organization Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R) to free children as young as four years old from the slavery of sex trafficking, while gathering enough video evidence to arrest and convict those involved in this horrific crime.
Following the man behind O.U.R., former CIA and Homeland Security agent Tim Ballard, this amazing, heart-breaking, and frankly astounding documentary uses actual footage (no re-creations) from three of the many missions that have so far rescued hundreds of girls and boys from the sex trade (both overseas and in U.S.), and put dozens of flesh peddlers behind bars. Ballard’s faith, and his courage and conviction to this effort is evident from the first moment he speaks.
In addition to Ballard, one of the other primary driving forces behind O.U.R.’s missions is the operative only identified as “Batman”, a former cartel money launderer whose heart was convicted when confronted with his potential role in a child’s rape. Shown with face pixelated throughout the film, “Batman” uses his former criminal ties and expertise to root out traffickers, and works closely with Ballard to set up and execute the sting operations.
In cooperation with law enforcement from countries around the world, O.U.R. documents, through video and audio recordings, every moment and angle of a rescue mission, from first contact with sex vendors, to meeting with traffickers, the exchange of children and money, and take-down by authorities. Knowing that I was watching actual operations in play affected me in a way that movie play-acting never can. Lives are actually in jeopardy, there are real dangers from the criminal element and, as “The Abolitionists” shows, not every mission is successful.
The O.U.R. teams are made up of volunteers, everyone from former SEALS and other military specialists, to celebrities wanting to make a difference - The Walking Dead’s Laurie Holden (Andrea) is shown in an important role during one of the rescues in the film - to others who work to rehabilitate the rescued children, helping them receive protection, reunite with their families, and get a shot at a normal life.
One location group, The Butterfly House (TheButterfly.House) is working in our area to raise money to build a shelter for victims of child sex trafficking. My wife and I actually spoke with one of the organizers and heard stories of attempts to kidnap children right here in our own area. We also heard about how this organizer actually was instrumental in the arrest of a “pimp”.
“The Abolitionists” is not a movie that I would have necessarily chosen to see for myself, but now that I have, I think it is one that every decent person should seek out and watch for themselves. In the round table that we saw immediately following the film (shown in 600 theaters across the country last night), the producers urged viewers to let local theater owners know the importance of giving “The Abolitionists” screen time. The producers are also hoping that, using footage from the many rescue missions completed so far, they can create a television show that will further shine a light on the plight of the innocent victims of child sex trafficking.
This is not a movie I can give an actual rating to. My ratings are for overall entertainment value. “The Abolitionists” is much more important than that.
“The Abolitionists” is rated PG-13 for thematic elements that deal very specifically with the issue of child sex trafficking.
Called “The Abolitionists”, it is the real life behind-the-scenes account of efforts by the private organization Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R) to free children as young as four years old from the slavery of sex trafficking, while gathering enough video evidence to arrest and convict those involved in this horrific crime.
Following the man behind O.U.R., former CIA and Homeland Security agent Tim Ballard, this amazing, heart-breaking, and frankly astounding documentary uses actual footage (no re-creations) from three of the many missions that have so far rescued hundreds of girls and boys from the sex trade (both overseas and in U.S.), and put dozens of flesh peddlers behind bars. Ballard’s faith, and his courage and conviction to this effort is evident from the first moment he speaks.
In addition to Ballard, one of the other primary driving forces behind O.U.R.’s missions is the operative only identified as “Batman”, a former cartel money launderer whose heart was convicted when confronted with his potential role in a child’s rape. Shown with face pixelated throughout the film, “Batman” uses his former criminal ties and expertise to root out traffickers, and works closely with Ballard to set up and execute the sting operations.
In cooperation with law enforcement from countries around the world, O.U.R. documents, through video and audio recordings, every moment and angle of a rescue mission, from first contact with sex vendors, to meeting with traffickers, the exchange of children and money, and take-down by authorities. Knowing that I was watching actual operations in play affected me in a way that movie play-acting never can. Lives are actually in jeopardy, there are real dangers from the criminal element and, as “The Abolitionists” shows, not every mission is successful.
The O.U.R. teams are made up of volunteers, everyone from former SEALS and other military specialists, to celebrities wanting to make a difference - The Walking Dead’s Laurie Holden (Andrea) is shown in an important role during one of the rescues in the film - to others who work to rehabilitate the rescued children, helping them receive protection, reunite with their families, and get a shot at a normal life.
One location group, The Butterfly House (TheButterfly.House) is working in our area to raise money to build a shelter for victims of child sex trafficking. My wife and I actually spoke with one of the organizers and heard stories of attempts to kidnap children right here in our own area. We also heard about how this organizer actually was instrumental in the arrest of a “pimp”.
“The Abolitionists” is not a movie that I would have necessarily chosen to see for myself, but now that I have, I think it is one that every decent person should seek out and watch for themselves. In the round table that we saw immediately following the film (shown in 600 theaters across the country last night), the producers urged viewers to let local theater owners know the importance of giving “The Abolitionists” screen time. The producers are also hoping that, using footage from the many rescue missions completed so far, they can create a television show that will further shine a light on the plight of the innocent victims of child sex trafficking.
This is not a movie I can give an actual rating to. My ratings are for overall entertainment value. “The Abolitionists” is much more important than that.
“The Abolitionists” is rated PG-13 for thematic elements that deal very specifically with the issue of child sex trafficking.
