Bangkok--10 Jun--TQPR
MTV EXIT (End Exploitation and Trafficking) today announced the release of Enslaved: An MTV EXIT Special, a powerful new documentary film that aims to raise awareness and help prevent human trafficking in Thailand.
Film star Ananda Everingham, a long-time supporter and official ambassador of the MTV EXIT campaign, hosts the new half-hour documentary for Thailand, the first in a series of twelve different films to launch across Asia throughout this year. Each program will feature locally specific human trafficking stories highlighting current and emerging trafficking trends, and what’s being done to combat the exploitation of human beings.
Enslaved featuring Ananda Everingham tells the stories of real people affected by the human trafficking trade in Thailand: Gai, a Thai woman trafficked to Japan as a forced sex worker; Vannak a young man from Cambodia trafficked for labour onto a Thai fishing vessel; and Vatsana, a Laotian woman trafficked to Thailand and forced to work as a domestic slave for 16 years in a Bangkok home.
The documentary provides insight into the realities of trafficking, explores the roles played by everyone in the trafficking chain, provides information on how individuals can protect themselves against trafficking, and encourages everyone to stand up, take action and be part of the fight to end exploitation and trafficking.
“It’s an honour to continue my involvement with such an important campaign,” said Ananda, “I hope the documentary will stir meaningful conversations among youth about how we are all affected by this tragic form of modern day slavery. Everyone is vulnerable and we must protect ourselves and our loved ones.”
MTV EXIT Campaign Director, Matt Love said, “We are proud to premiere our new documentary film in Thailand. After watching this program, we hope audiences will have the key information they need to recognize cases of human trafficking in their communities, and know what they can do to help combat this horrible form of modern-day slavery. We’re confident that viewers will be inspired to learn more about this critical social issue and use their knowledge to empower others.”
MTV EXIT is produced by the MTV EXIT Foundation in partnership with the Royal Thai Government, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Australian Government’s Agency for International Development (AusAID).
“The U.S. Government is proud to support this documentary film’s effort to raise awareness on human trafficking. Through MTV EXIT, millions of people — especially the youth, who are particularly vulnerable - will be informed and compelled to act,” said Deputy Chief of Mission Judith B. Cefkin of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok.
Australian Ambassador to Thailand James Wise says, “By giving a voice to human trafficking survivors, the MTV EXIT documentary reminds us powerfully that this horrific crime must be stopped. Human trafficking is everyone’s responsibility. As individuals, families, businesses and governments, we must work together to end the trade in human life, and ensure justice for its victims. Human trafficking calls for a global response. Australia is committed to working with Thailand and the United States and the region, through ASEAN, on this issue of shared international concern.”
To further increase awareness about the dangers of human trafficking, MTV EXIT will also host a free outdoor concert on Saturday 25th June at Chiang Mai’s 700th Anniversary Stadium. Headlining international artists include Asian megastars ‘Super Junior M’ and Australian pop star Kate Miller-Heidke, who will also be supported by Thailand’s top artists. More information about free concert tickets can be found at the www.mtvexit.org
MTV EXIT programming in Thailand is released in partnership with MCOT Channel 9. All MTV EXIT programming is produced rights-free and free of charge for all broadcasters and organisations.
Enslaved: An MTV EXIT Special presented by Ananda Everingham will premiere on MCOT Ch. 9 in three parts starting from Saturday 18th June, then Sunday 19th June and Monday 20th June at 11am. Full program will broadcast on MCOT Ch. 9, Tuesday 5th July, 11:00pm.
Enslaved: An MTV EXIT Special is proudly supported by:
For more information on the MTV EXIT campaign please contact:
MTV EXIT Foundation
Matt Love, MTV EXIT Campaign Director E-mail,
[email protected]
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