Woman Rising is a documentary that exposes the dark reality of sex and human trafficking in America, and the hope for change that lies within the courage and resilience of survivors. The film follows the journey of Cary Stuart, a young woman from Maine who was trafficked for years, and who managed to break free and rebuild her life with the help of a dedicated network of supporters. Through Cary’s personal testimony and interviews with experts, advocates, and law enforcement, the film reveals the shocking prevalence and complexity of modern-day slavery, and the urgent need for more awareness, resources, and legislation to combat it.
The main aim of this initiative is to raise awareness about human trafficking through the power of storytelling. The documentary, which has a runtime of 24 minutes, features several distinguished individuals: Jonathan Sahrbeck, a former District Attorney; Tim Farris, a detective from Yarmouth Police; Mary Irace, Director of Tools for Life at the Salvation Army; Noelle Coyne, Director of Housing for Safe Voices; and Jessica Bedard, Director of Program Planning and Performance at the Maine Sexual Assault Center. The film is accompanied by a panel discussion to shed light on the pervasive reality of human trafficking.
The community event organization will be carried out in partnership with several local entities, including Capture Humanity and the Salvation Army Tools for Life Program, Portland, ME.
We are pleased to announce our project "Woman Rising: Surviving Human Trafficking" has been selected
for CENTER Advancing the Photographic ART 2023 Blue Earth Fiscal Sponsorship.
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Director's statement:
One of the primary motivations for making this film is to raise awareness about the challenges, injustices, and adversities that survivors of human trafficking face. The goal of the film is to shine a light on these issues, encouraging viewers to reflect on them and, perhaps, even take action in their own communities. Alongside raising awareness, my intention is to inspire change. Films have the power to move people not just emotionally, but also to motivate them towards making real-world changes. "Woman Rising" aims to showcase stories of resilience, strength, and empowerment that inspire viewers to advocate for gender equality and women's rights.
This project is deeply personal to me. Growing up in a family where domestic violence was prevalent, I share experiences with many survivors of human trafficking. This personal connection, coupled with my profound belief in the power of photography and film to catalyze social change, has propelled me to dedicate my career to amplifying the stories of survivors. My team and I possess a unique expertise in navigating the delicate balance between respecting the dignity of survivors and exposing the harsh realities of trafficking. This positions us uniquely to bring "Woman Rising" to life. Our connection to the story extends beyond professional interest—it's a shared mission to illuminate truths, inspire action, and contribute meaningfully to the global fight against human trafficking.
- Matilde Simas