The Tel Aviv Cinematheque takes up the cause of children with the Israeli premiere of Guy Moshe’s film Holly (2007) on Monday, December 28 at 21:00, in the presence of producers Adi Ezroni and Guy Jacobson. Child trafficking claims an estimated 2 million young victims worldwide. Lawyer and President of Priority Films Jacobson created The Redlight Children Campaign in 2002 together with Israeli actress Ezroni, to combat the sexual exploitation of children by raising awareness through mass media while seeking anti-trafficking legislation and enforcement.
Jacobson was powerfully affected by his own experiences while travelling in Cambodia. He was approached by a group of young girls, no older than 7, in Phom Penh, who were forced into prostitution. This encounter led to his desire to effect change through the media. Holly is a feature length narrative film written by Jacobson, which tells the story of a relationship between a 12 year old girl sold into prostitution by her family, and Patrick (Ron Livingston), an American seller of stolen artwork. Based on true stories, the movie was filmed in Cambodia, and will be shown at the Tel Aviv cinematheque in January.
On January 3, there will be a special screening of the documentary RED LIGHT, directed by Jacobson and Ezroni, and narrated by Lucy Liu. RED LIGHT was filmed in Cambodia over a four year period and follows the personal stories of young victims of sexual exploitation and two advocates for change: activist Somaly Mam and politician Mu Sochua, who have both been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Jacobson and Ezroni have also been honored as Global Heroes by Condoleeza Rice in the Trafficking in Persons Report 2008 for their work in Cambodia. Following the screening of the film, there will be a discussion with Jacobson and Ezroni.
Holly
English, Khmer and Vietnamese, Hebrew subtitles, 114 minutes
Directed by Guy Moshe
Starring: Ron Livingston, Virginie Ledoyan, Udo Kier, Chris Penn and Thuy Nguyen.
Redlight
English, without subtitles, 72 minutes
Directed by: Adi Ezroni, Guy Jacobson
Information: 03-6060819 , www.cinema.co.il
Image credit: Courtesy of PR