CNN Press Release - Half-hour documentary reveals tradition of trafficking in Bharatpur, India; finds hope in younger generation

Watch the trailer here.

Actor, producer and Indian film luminary Anil Kapoor has partnered with the CNN Freedom Project to expose one region’s secret tradition of trafficking in 'Trapped by Tradition: A CNN Freedom Project Documentary.' This is the year’s second major documentary produced by the CNN Freedom Project, the network’s multi-platform initiative which aims to expose the horrors of modern-day slavery and to push for change. 'Trapped by Tradition: A CNN Freedom Project Documentary' premieres Saturday, September 24 at 0900ET on CNN International.

As a special contributor to the CNN Freedom Project, Kapoor visits Bharatpur, a district in his native India where many young girls and women are sold into the sex trade often by members of their own family. This is the second trip to Bharatpur in two years for the film star, who is internationally recognized for his work in the award-winning film ‘Slumdog Millionaire.’ Kapoor has been involved in the fight against human trafficking for the past several years through his involvement with Plan India, an organization working on the frontlines to protect children against abuse and exploitation.

“Human slavery in today’s modern world is unacceptable and unpardonable. We should do whatever we can to eradicate it completely,” says Kapoor. “It was clear we must change the mindset of the people in [Bharatpur] – they had to understand there are other options."
'Trapped by Tradition' follows Kapoor to Bharatpur, where he spends time with many young girls and women who followed the socially-accepted tradition of joining the sex trade. One of the women he meets says her brother convinced her to join the business more than 20 years ago and every penny she’s earned is used to support her family. While her story is not an unfamiliar one in Bharatpur, it becomes clear the district’s poverty, illiteracy, family pressures and geographical location all contribute to the perpetuation of trafficking females for family honor and commercial gain.

However, Kapoor notices a growing awareness among the families during this visit – something he did not witness two years ago. Despite having a mother working in the sex trade, one young girl tells Kapoor she wants to continue her education in Mumbai as she dreams of becoming an actress. It is through this increased education that Kapoor believes young girls and women are learning about lifestyle choices they have outside Bharatpur and India’s sex trade.

The Freedom Project blog will be the online home for special coverage of 'Trapped by Tradition.' Leading up to the premiere of the documentary, users will be encouraged to submit questions to Kapoor related to the documentary through the blog, Twitter and the Freedom Project Facebook page.

'Trapped by Tradition' replays Saturday, Sept. 24 at 1500; Sunday, Sept.25 at 0700 and 2100; and Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 0530 and 1330 on CNN International. All times Eastern.

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