Public invited to free screening of '8 Days'

The Universal Declaration on Human Rights declared over 60 years ago that all humans were born free and equal with rights common to all and exclusive to none. Sixty-odd years later, in spite of the clear and express prohibition of slavery, trafficking in humans stands at an astoundingly and eerily high level. It has recently resurfaced in mainstream news.

The Panida will present the film “8 Days – She Never Thought It Could Happen to Her” to address this ever-present concern. After sneaking out to a party with her friends, 16-year-old Amber Stevens goes missing. Forced into the world of sex trafficking, her family and community fight to get her back. Inspired by actual events. Directed by Jaco Booyens after a family tragedy involving his sister brought this to their attention.

The conversation surrounding human/sex-trafficking is not an easy one, but remains a necessary one. Human/sex-trafficking thrives on the secrecy and shadow of unawareness, which currently pervades. This increasingly disturbing human rights violation is linked to forced prostitution, street crimes, domestic servitude, child labor and many other forms of exploitation. A sting operation in Spokane that netted locals as well brings this concern back to our home town and following the film a discussion will take place on current legislative efforts, the role of our local law enforcement and updates on past issues.

Several years ago, Savannah Hicks of Careywood was able to get legislation passed with the help of Idaho Rep. Sage Dixon to get signs posted in public rest-rooms with assistance information. Ms. Hicks is the founder of a non-profit organization that was created to prevent human trafficking and increase awareness especially of it on a local level highlighting it is not just a big city problem. This reminds us that one person can make a difference and as a community we can protect our children.

The screening is presented Sunday, March 26, at 3:30 p.m. at no charge at the Panida due in part to a grant from the Bonnor County Human Rights Task Force and with support from KYMS radio and Protect My Idaho. A huge part of addressing this immense problem starts with finding individual efforts, organizing in communities and organizations to brainstorm and implement, working with and through governments and intergovernmental organizations and international organizations to stop this problem.

The Panida invites the community to help us make a difference. For more information, go online to panida.org.

Patricia Walker is the executive director of the Panida Theater. She can be reached at patricia@panida.org.