Stopping Traffic

Stopping Traffic: The Movement to End Sex Trafficking (2017) is an emotionally charged documentary that shines a light on the horrific crime of human trafficking on a global scale. Director and activist Sadhvi Siddhali Shree crafts a powerful narrative, utilizing a range of expert voices, several real-world instances, and incontrovertible figures to cast the spotlight on this pressing issue.

The documentary features a star-studded line-up, with personalities like Susanne Dietzel and also includes remarkable sex trafficking survivors, alongside a range of key activists like Carolina Douthit and Cecilia Flores-Oebanda, who have dedicated their lives to help end this despicable trade.

The film expertly weaves in the story of Susanne Dietzel, a renowned professor of Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of Oklahoma, who imparts her academic expertise on the subject. Her insights set a firm ground for understanding this global crisis from a socio-cultural perspective.

Among the courageous survivors is Carolina Douthit, who was caught up in sex trafficking as a teenager. Her poignant account hits home with raw authenticity, offering viewers a harrowing yet eye-opening perspective of the lived experiences and resilience of victims trapped in this vicious cycle.

In the film, Cecilia Flores-Oebanda, a fearless Filipino activist and founder of the Visayan Forum Foundation, narrates her fight against child labor and sex trade in her country. Her role in the film is remarkable, as she undertakes the cause, often putting her life on the line, while demonstrating a deeply inspiring sense of humanitarianism.

Stopping Traffic does not shy away from confronting the immensity of the issue. The narrative is both compelling and informative, presenting hard-hitting facts and data on the reality of human trafficking worldwide. From the streets of America and Latin America, to the seedy underbelly of Asia, the documentary deftly encompasses the global nature of this multi-billion-dollar business, emphasizing that no country is spared.

One of the most successful aspects of the film is its ability to tackle such an overwhelming subject without losing sight of its ultimate objective - to advocate for concrete action against this illicit and devastating global industry. While leader interviews lay out the uncomfortable facts and details, survivor stories bring a deeply human element into the narrative.

The film breaks down the intricacies of human trafficking, discussing its causes, symptoms, and most importantly, its solutions. It sets an imperative agenda for shedding societal apathy and pushing for policy changes, stronger law enforcement, and greater protective services for survivors. Also, it underscores the crucial role that everyday citizens can play, from being aware and informed to taking proactive steps to help victims in their communities.

The documentary is made particularly compelling by the strong direction style of Sadhvi Siddhali Shree. As a decorated Army veteran and a skilled filmmaker, she crams a lot of information into an 80-minute feature without it feeling rushed or overloaded, striking a careful balance between heart-wrenching personal stories and crucial contextual information. With her empathetic touch, the viewer is led to the depths of the crisis and then guided towards the beacon of hope.

Moreover, given the intensity of the subject matter, Stopping Traffic diligently ensures a sensitive portrayal of its subjects, respectfully delivering their ordeals with great dignity and empathy. The distressing realities are presented judiciously, devoid of sensationalism, making it a safe watch for audiences interested in the topic, while also fostering an unwavering avenue for awareness and discourse.

In conclusion, Stopping Traffic is an important piece of art, shedding light on a global crisis often unnoticed. It's more than a film; it's a call to action, challenging us to take part in the fight against human trafficking. Its earnestness, coupled with an informative exposition of this terrifying reality, makes it an essential watch. This isn’t a movie that hopes to entertain, but rather one that aspires to enlighten and provoke change.