Redlight features tough issues
Wrongful imprisonment, the influence of lawless internationalism, and preventing the social injustice to children because of human slavery – these are the elements driving the release of Redlight – The Movie. The film, supported by corporate sponsor LexisNexis, tells a message typically found in photojournalism. In the past, Pulitzer Prize photographs would tell a news story that galvanized a global issue – Neal Ulevich’s Thailand Massacre or Nick Ut’s Vietnam Napalm come to mind. Yet Redlight primarily focuses around the efforts of two women to rid child slavery from Asian culture (grass-roots activist Somaly Mam and politician Mu Sochua). Some may be aware of how the Pol Pot regime transformed into a mixed economy based on shady elements including child slavery and forced prostitution. Cambodia today remains a politically corrupt governmental system when addressing the harsh realities surrounding children no older than 7 or 8.
Globally few recognize the trauma that human trafficking causes. The film hopes to change this unfortunate social practice. The film’s production team had multiple influences including one woman’s plight (Somaly Mam). Her focus on saving uneducated and impoverished families from sexploitation is prominent in the film. Factory sweat shops have plagued industry for decades. The practice of selling a child to the world of sexual abuse, perversion and the damaging effects caused by health issues (AIDS comes to mind) poses a world message that Redlight tells. Redlight attempts and succeeds in compelling the audience into action against child sex slavery. This film is not a date night type of documentary though. It is likely to air in a niche cable lineup or news channel though. When it does, expect an Emmy nomination at a minimum – it’s organized backing and Hollywood/celebrity support is likely to extend it’s vital message for us all.
