In Cambodia, where 30 percent of prostitutes are children, this preview in the Half the Sky series examines the issue of sex trafficking. Meg Ryan and Nicholas Kristof meet Somaly Mam, herself sold into slavery as a young girl, but who is now a world-renowned leader in the anti-trafficking struggle. Mam runs a center to rehabilitate and educate girls rescued from brothels. She introduces Somana, sold at age 13 and forced to work as a prostitute, her eye gouged out by the brothel owner. When Mam learns that underage girls have been discovered in a brothel on the Thai border, she organizes a daring raid with the help of local authorities. Kristof and the cameras capture this dramatic and dangerous effort to free underage girls being held as sex slaves. Working tirelessly to bring the voices of these girls to the world, Mam uses innovative approaches, such as a weekly radio show, to raise awareness. “We’re going to change Cambodia,” she says. “We want you to hear from us. If you don’t listen to us, we’ll keep on talking. We’re not tired at all.”

The Institute for Policy Studies is a proud community partner for DC Community Cinema‘s fall screenings, especially the previews of Half the Sky. The post screening panel of this episode of Half the Sky will feature IPS Advocacy Director for Break the Chain, Tiffany Williams. More guest speakers TBA.