A short film about human trafficking made by an amateur team from a Cape Town church has made the official selection list in the Transforming Stories International Film Festival.
The movie, Bound, was selected as one of the frontrunners among 180 film submissions from 19 different countries and will be shown shown in 10 cinemas in 10 cities in South Africa from October 21 to November 10. Thereafter it will be shown in other countries, including the USA, India, Australia, and the UK.
“We were up against professional production companies, big budgets and huge crews – this is very exciting for us!’ said Laurian Guy, producer of the film made by a group from Joshua Generation Church. She said Bound, which tells the story of a naive young woman who gets tricked into prostitution, was made with two objectives.
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“Firstly to educate people like you and me that there is a huge problem with human trafficking and modern day slavery, right on our doorstep. We are trusting that as we sow seeds, that God will speak to people about getting involved and making a difference in this terrible world.’
Secondly she said the film makers hoped to educate young girls about the deceptions being used by traffickers.
In addition to the screenings in cinemas, Bound will be shown on Intercape busses next month.
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“Intercape has over 100 000 passengers on their busses per month and we are extremely excited about the possibilities of the right girls watching the films, as well as parents of potential victims to educate and alert them about the terrible dangers out there.’ Laurian said. The film has also been submitted to various other film festivals.
Joshua Generation Church ran a four week film course in the beginning of the year led by Howard Fyvie. The film, directed by Michael John, was born during this time.
“We are a group of amateur, but passionate film makers. We have never studied film making, and all work in completely different industries to the film industry” Laurian said about the group who produced the film. “We all worked on the projects on a completely voluntary basis, and use of equipment, time and skills were donated by all involved.”
There has been a response from at least three anti-trafficking agencies who want to use the film to train social workers, as the film exposes how rescued girls can react and feel.
“We have also heard of one person who is interested in starting a mentorship program for one or two rescued girls in their guest house” Laurian said.
“We are praying that this becomes so much more than just an entertaining film, but something that brings about Godly change.”
For more information see the movie’s facebook page – or visit the Bound website.
south africa is emerging as a forerunner in passionate and gifted people, willing and able to make a difference in our world!