NOT MY LIFE

MOVIEKIT FOR AMERICAN SPACES

This Moviekit is designed for programming at American Spaces. American Spaces should work with their Public Affairs Section to ensure that this movie is appropriate for American Space audiences.

Warning: This movie contains mature themes.

FILM INFORMATION

Year Release: 2011
Rating: PG-13
Duration: 65 min
English Level: Intermediate
Director: Robert Bilheimer
Starring: Glen Close
Themes: Human trafficking, modern slavery

Kanopy Link:
http://bit.ly/KnpyHmnTrff

MOVIE CONTEXT

Awareness is the beginning of the end of slavery in our time. Narrated by actress Glenn Close, this compassionate film unflinchingly reveals the brutal, savage mistreatment of children all over the world – and yes, this includes the United States.

Filmed on five continents, in a dozen countries, Not My Life takes viewers into a world where millions of children are exploited, every day through an astonishing array of practices including forced labor, domestic servitude, begging, sex tourism, sexual violence and child soldiering. Challenging though it may be, the movie’s message is ultimate one of hope.

“Human traffickers are earning billions of dollars on the backs and in the beds of our children,” says the film’s director, Academy Award nominee, Robert Bilheimer, “and yet no one knows this is happening. We have a huge responsibility, to learn the truth and act on it.”

KEY VOCABULARY

Beat Up – To physically assault someone

Exploitation – The action of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work

Human Rights – Norms that aspire to protect all people everywhere from severe political, legal, and social abuses. Examples, of human rights are the right to freedom of religion, the right to a fair trial when charged with a crime, the right not to be tortured, and the right to education.

Justice – Treatment of people that is fair and right. The system of laws by which people are judged and punished.

Oklahoma City/Wichita – Two cities in the central United States

Prey – Usually a weaker person, who criminals can exploit

Recruiting – Choosing individuals to be workers

Run Away – To leave or escape from a place, person, or situation of danger.

Discussion Questions

What was the most interesting thing about the film? Did anything surprise you?
What kinds of trafficking did you see in the film?
Who were the victims? Did they match your idea of them before seeing the film?
Who were the traffickers? Did they match your idea of them before seeing the film?
How is trafficking being addressed? Who is involved in the fight?
Do you think there might be trafficking in your country or city? Where might it be happening?
What can you do to prevent human trafficking?