Human trafficking on the big screen

As the issue of human trafficking has garnered increased attention in recent years, depictions of trafficking on the big screen have increased as well. Raising public awareness is an important step in combatting human trafficking. However, a growth in public knowledge of human trafficking raises some important questions: now that people are aware of human trafficking, what do they know and where did they learn that information? 

Think about the depictions of high school 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 whole cafeteria breaks out into song. Not exactly an accurate depiction of the average high school experience. Likewise, the depiction of human trafficking we see on the big screen is often lacking context, heavily based on stereotypes, sensationalized, and just plain inaccurate.  

Movie myths 

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

Myth #1: trafficking victims are always kidnapped or taken by force 

In Taken, two girls are kidnapped from their hotel room and taken by force. Although this does happen in some cases, it is exceedingly more rare than the movies would lead you to believe. In reality, the recruitment process is often non-violent and sometimes takes place over a long period of time. Traffickers use tactics like manipulation and deception, and false promises of jobs, education, or better living conditions or quality of life to lure victims.   

Myth #2: sex trafficking is the only type of trafficking  

Sex trafficking is the main type of exploitation shown in cinema, ignoring other forms of human trafficking. In Taken, The Whistleblower, and The Sound of Freedom, every victim is trafficked for sex. There are many other types of trafficking we rarely see in the cinema. These include labour trafficking, domestic servitude, organ trafficking, and forced marriage. In short, sexual exploitation deserves attention, but an exclusive focus on sex trafficking overlooks the broader spectrum of human trafficking.  

Myth #3: trafficking victims are always physically locked up or restrained  

The movies often show victims of human trafficking locked up in a room or cage, or physically restrained in some way. While this can be true in some cases, traffickers often use psychological manipulation, threats, and coercion to control victims as opposed to physical force. Victims may appear "free" but are unable to 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, individuals of all gender identities experience human trafficking. The gender-exclusive portrayal of human trafficking that we often see on the big screen overlooks the experience of male, transgender, and non-binary victims that may be trafficked for sexual exploitation, labour, and other forms of abuse. 

Myth #5: rescue is the end of the story 

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

What we can do 

Increased awareness of human trafficking is a good thing. However, it is important to consider where the information we’re getting is coming from. Make a conscious effort to learn about the realities of human trafficking from reputable sources such as peer-reviewed reports and survivor-led initiatives. Support films, documentaries, and TV shows that provide a more nuanced and accurate portrayal of human trafficking. Raise awareness about content that avoids sensationalism and focuses on victim experiences. And finally, counter the sensationalized narratives you may come across on social media by sharing accurate information from reputable sources on your own social media feeds.  

Conclusion 

Our relationship with these portrayals of human trafficking is complex. While the dramatic, compelling, and emotional stories we see in TV shows and movies capture our attention, they often fail to represent how trafficking shows up in real life. Consider how you’ve seen human trafficking portrayed in films, TV shows, and other forms of media, and how you can promote the spread of accurate and trauma-informed information as opposed to dramatized narratives.