Film

CHASTE relies on contributions from those working in the field as they make their research work available for those seeking wisdom and resources.

Recently a range of new films and short documentaries has emerged that highlight the issues clustering around sex trafficking, and the associated issues of prostitution, gender imbalance, poverty and illegal immigration which sex trafficking frequently entails.

Here you will find details of films and short documentaries which explore some of these wider issues. If you have further contributions you would like to see referred to please be in touch with us. Contact

DEMAND (2007) - A documentary by Shared Hope International

Shared Hope International’s explosive new documentary DEMAND features investigative footage of the dark and hidden world of sex traffickers, pimps and buyers. It exposes the men who buy commercial sex, the vulnerable women and children sold as commodities, and the facilitators of the sale within the marketplace of exploitation.

Click here and scroll down to view the 16 minute condensed version of DEMAND IMPORTANT: Please note the 45 minute version available at the top of Shared Hope's website and is not suitable for younger viewers. Simply scroll down to find the 16 minute condensed version which does not contain graphic material, nudity or sexual content and is ideal for churches, schools and youth.

Lilya 4-Ever (2002)

Ths important film tells the story of Lilya, a girl growing up in the poorest conditions in Russia. A relationship of her mother’s opens up the promise of a new life in America to Lilya, away from the poverty and drugs around her. However as this glint of hope is cruelly snatched away we see Lilya forming a bond with younger Volodya and the two of them seek happiness in the depths of this despair. As Lilya meets a man who offers her a new life we begin to wonder if Lilya is truly destined to have another chance at escape.

The film is beautifully made and emotionally gripping; it is a harrowing story with an important message of awareness about a trafficking and sexual exploitation. Life somewhere in a former Soviet satellite country is gritty and real as a documentary, whilst the spirit and atmosphere is emphasized by a score which brings Russian rock to the West.

Lilya 4-ever is not the slickest film made and even Moodysson was critical of his filmmaking, but the importance of the plot and the impact of its message resonates through. This film shows that not only can cinema entertain but that it can and should carry messages which are contemporarily of massive importance so that discussion of the acting and editing seem trivial.

More Precious than Gold

A short fronted narrated by Robbie Williams using a poem written by Simon Armitage - describing the increasing trafficking in young children from Africa for enslavement in prostitution and domestic slavery to the markets of Europe, North America and . A powerful introduction to any meeting in which the issues pertaining to trafficking and the continent of Africa are brought to the table. Distributed by UNICEF and also appended to Lilya 4 ever DVD.

Child trafficking involves the transportation and exploitation of over a million unwilling victims every year, often for sex work or hazardous, illegal labour. False promises of education and a better future are made, but the children and their families are frequently unaware of the real fate that awaits the victims.Thousands of children are trafficked to the UK every year, mainly from West Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia.

Presented by Robbie Williams, this hard-hitting film highlights the chilling horror of organised child trafficking as part of UNICEF UK's End Child Exploitation campaign.

Robbie describes the film as "short, but definitely not sweet", and the poem and images use the exotic fruit trade of Africa as a metaphor for the sale of young lives.

UNICEF alongside the work of CHASTE and other charities working in this arena has been urging the UK government to introduce legislation to provide specialist care and protection for victims of trafficking, including safe houses across the country, counselling and education. see campaigns

Watch More Precious than Gold now!

Sex Traffic : David Yates

Sex Slaves

Listen as Women's Radio Editor In Chief, Pat Lynch, speaks with award-winning filmmaker, Ric Bienstock, as she shares her story of being overseas and stumbling upon un underground human trafficking ring that smuggles women from hotel to hotel inside of China and other eastern countries. Listen now

You can also read more about the making of this film and the issues involved. There are also excerpts available to watch.

"Not for Sale"

This film was produced by the European Women's Lobby and the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women - Watch Now.

More film reviews and film resources coming soon.