PRESS

Women Undercover | BBC World Service

Mimi Chakarova: Love, Art and Anger
 
| The Kitchen Sisters Present

The awesome fearlessness of female undercover reporters
 
| The New York Times Online

Going Undercover 
| Al Jazeera English

Undercover to Expose Sex Traffickers 
| BBC World's Outlook

"The Price of Sex" on Turkish TV
 
| CNN Turk

Correspondent Confidential
 
| VICE United States

UN.GIFT catches up with filmmaker Mimi Chakarova
 
| United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

A Human Life: Priceless No More
 
| The Ukrainian Week

Review | Global Policy Journal

WOMAN OF THE WEEK: MIMI CHAKAROVA | The Women in the World Foundation

Mimi Chakarova on CNN | Connect The World

Undercover Filmmaker | CNN Freedom Project

Mimi Chakarova on BBC World 

"Slavery 2012" Podcast | The Commonwealth Club of California

Interview with Mimi Chakarova | United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking

Embassy of the United States of America | Ottawa

My Defining Moment: Mimi Chakarova | CBC

Video Interview with Mimi Chakarova | Reeling the Reel

Interview with Mimi Chakarova | Channel Guide Magazine

Skin Trade Exposed | ekathimerini.com

"The Price of Sex" Podcast | Human Rights Watch

"The Price of Sex" | Telegraph21

"The Price of Sex" Is a Work of Art Huffington Post 

The Price of Sex on CNN  

The Price of Sex (Web Exclusive) | Cineaste Magazine

Daniel Pearl Awards Winners Announced | iWatch News

Interview with Mimi Chakarova | Pop Culture Classics

Ten Years Underground: A Photojournalist’s Quest to Expose the Sex Trade | Her Circle e-zine

The Price of Sex: An Investigation of Sex Trafficking | USAID Impact Blog by Mimi Chakarova

The Price of Sex Variety 

Review of 'The Price of Sex' (Bulgarian) Kultura

FILM: So Much More Than Just 'Trafficked Women' IPSnews.net

Women in Hollywood indieWIRE

Human Trafficking, The Terrible "Price of Sex" NPR Talk of the Nation (Radio)

Review: Human Rights Watch Film Festival 2011 Film-Forward

Arts Express: Eco-Terrorists, Sex Slaves, And What's Up At The HRW Festival News Blaze (Radio)

Preview of the festival highlighting THE PRICE OF SEX (Russian) Reporter RU

Preview of the festival highlighting THE PRICE OF SEX (Russian) NewsWe.com

The Human Rights Watch Film Festival Digs Deep, Asks the Hard Questions HuffPost

Almost Me Snap Judgment (Radio)

Exposing the Sex Traffickers The Crime Report

Journalist-Activist Chakarova Exposes ‘Price of Sex’ SF360

Women Make Movies Nabs Two Human Rights Films indieWIRE

An Interview with Mimi Chakarova Captive Daughters


 

The U.N. General Assembly signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, yet we continue to witness the sale of human beings and the degradation of women's bodies and minds. THE PRICE of SEX gives you a sense of what trafficking does to women.

Your reactions to the film have been an important step to encourage dialogue and provide a forum for ideas and solutions. We've posted some of them below:

 

Your film
Thank you for doing this important work, your voice and skills are so important. Stay safe.
Re: Your film
Dear Jane Alsh, Thank you for your kind and encouraging words.
Online streaming?
Hi! First of all, thank you so much for making this documentary!! It is one of the absolutely most important issues of our time... I read a book by Kevin Bales a few years back that stated that the number of people defined as slaves is actually more than double the amount of people that was taken as slaves from Africa to America during the transatlantic slave trade (if I remember the numbers correctly; I may be mistaken, in which case I apologize). If I´m not mistaken, the number is something like 27 million people of modern slaves today. And 75% is sex slaves (again; if I remember correctly). This is an issue that really upsets me and that I want to learn more about. That´s why I was kind of disappointed when I couldn´t find a service to pay for online-streaming of the film. I live far up north in Norway, in a very small village, so I have no chance of catching the documentary cinemas in Oslo and Bergen. Any way to solve this? Thanks again for your courage! All the best of luck to you and your team, Marie B. , Norway
Re: Online streaming?
Thank you for your post. The film isn't streaming online but you can purchase a DVD from Women Make Movies -- http://www.wmm.com/filmcatalog/pages/c804.shtml (scroll down to DVD Sale.)
Re: Online streaming?
Hi there Mimi, You really need to get this available digitally please. You are loosing a hell of a lot of interested viewers and your target audience/market buy not having it digitally accessible. There are hundreds of people who would like to see this documentary but do not want to 'own it forever'. This is mainly because unless you are somehow involved in a relevant field (such as academics, health care etc etc) there is no need, want or desire to see this more than once, let alone own it on dvd forever.Yet they still do actively wish to see it and have actively tried to find it to do so... And I can very reliably inform you that by not releasing a digital/online pay or free copy, somehow, you have NOT managed to keep your hard work from being 'pirated' and made available online for download...all you have done is robbed yourself of further supporters, viewers and funds! Which seems kinda...well just daft...to be honest....!! Am happy to help you with/direct you towards how to/ways/people/places in getting it legitimately available online, and behind a pay-wall if you need. As both your subject matter and the technology fall within the bounds of my varied areas of detailed study. Just email me.
Passion
I just watched your documentary, and I wanted to contact you in any way possible. Human Trafficking and sex slavery of women and children has always been a passion for me to research and bring awareness to. I don't really know where it started. But in college I wrote my thesis on it and actually traveled to Thailand and witness some of these brothels first-hand. I saw what you saw on a much smaller scale in Pataya. I cried my eyes out the rest of the trip and prayed to have the ability to help in the future. I've since enrolled in law school and about close to obtaining my degree. I have always felt that at some point in my career, my mission would be to prosecute the individuals responsible for these heinous crimes. I hope you continue in your efforts, and one day, maybe our paths will cross. I hope to one day be able to meet you as well as your lawyer friend that battles this. Thank you for bringing this to light and helping inform the general population that this problem really exists.
Re: Passion
Thank you for your note and for your words of encouragement.
Heart breaking...
This documentary really touched me. I am a survivor of rape. I could not imagine what these girls face, and I am angry that it continues to be ignored by the US. We let this happen - and it needs to stop. No one deserves to be sold, traded, raped, etc. We must fight for these women. Thank you Mimi for doing this documentary.
Re: Heart breaking...
Thank you very much for your comment.
I am a survivor of sex trafficking.
I just wanted to congratulate you on making this horrific, yet sensitive film. I sincerely hope that it reaches millions of people. For they should understand and address this iniquitous scourge that infests every corner of the globe. I cried for these victims, I identified with their pain and indelible trauma. For I was tricked and abducted into sex trafficking when I was 16, in London 1977. They forced me into pornography and prostitution by threatening coercian. Which included incessant rape,beatings and threats with weapons, that included knives and a gun. I was lucky to escape. This horrendous ordeal almost destroyed my life. Now I am an artist who has painted my story of abuse and it's consequences. I have had my memoirs published and I blog on these issues. My art is utilised into teaching programmes for both health and police agencies to extend their knowledge base and introduce a more meaningful, visual perspective, as oppose to us being mere 'statistics' or 'victims'. I will post links of this documentary on my social pages. I applaud you for making this film and exposing the truth. Sincerely Suzzan. http://www.suzzanb.com
Re: I am a survivor of sex trafficking.
Thank you for sharing your story, Suzzan. I'm so sorry this happened to you. I applaud you for finding a way out and for the courage it takes to stand up against one of the worst human rights violations in our time.
As a woman of Eastern European descent myself, the issues of human trafficking and sexual slavery have always been at the periphery of my consciousness. This is the first time that I ever actually hear women discuss their situation openly. There is such stigma associated with the entire issue, particularly in Eastern Europe where people are extremely socially conservative, that nobody ever speaks about it. One of my close friends moved to Dubai for work after graduation and she had a sad anecdote to share: in Dubai if you are of South-East Asian descent you are automatically assumed to be a housemaid and if you are of Eastern European descent, a sex worker. A different lady I know, who is of Ukrainian background, visited the Emirates for her job (she is an engineer) and had random men constantly inquire about her hourly rate. You make a good point by making a connection between the religiously enforced sexual abstinence and vilification of sex at the social level and the constant demand for sex workers. I need to think about what I can personally do to get involved. I feel almost complicit in these women's plight through my lack of action. Thank you for your work.
Re:
Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
SPANISH SUBTITLES
Hi! i was wondering if the film has spanish subtitles in order to buy it. It's an excellent film and we want to show it. Thanks.
Re: SPANISH SUBTITLES
Thank you! I am not sure but I think it was shown on Spanish television. Please contact out distributor in Paris who will have the answer: maelle@catndocs.com
french and / or spanish translation
Would it be possible to have french (and also spanish) sub-titled version ? It would be used for frenchspeaking universities and college of Canada an France and Spain and people of latino cultures. We must make this reality be known and changed. Thanks, regards.
helping
after watching. the reality of it became real. i am more than willing to start making donations to the organizations that need it. and i found the list you have given of the places that need it. so thank you.. but do you stay in contact with the women you interviewed? i would be more than happy to make a donation to either of them through you if that was a possibility.. they need the world to show them their not better off dead.. i cant imagine their pain.. but if money can give them a little more breathing room and take some of the weight off their shoulders. then id be more than humble to help.. and noone think im trying to pay off their pain. the one lady said she was excited to get 1200 for 6 months.. i think what theyve endured calls for some recognition of their will to survive. either way thanks for opening my eyes to such a vicious entity. it will take everyone that travels to take part in ending this monster..
awesome doc.....
After I've seen this it just makes me more observant when i travel to many cities in the US There must be trafficking going on in united states as well....first chance i get i gather what can As evidence and report that chit to authorities.......so sad that this is going on especially In Dubai! Did u hear how that cop was talking to u....."they give very good blow Job"........Fu#cking idiots!!!! Sex Trafficking and bullying n schools is on my top vigilante list!!!!
Re: awesome doc.....
I once had a friend ask if I had ever been with a prostitute. When I said no he was surprised and acted like buying a woman was a badge of honor and made you more of a man. I was shocked. Any man who who participates is just as guilty as the recruiters and pimps. Where do I donate to have these sorry sonsofbitches shot in the head?
The Price of Sex
Dear Mimi Chakarova, I just saw the film The Price of Sex on the documentary channel. I had heard about this situation in Eastern Europe but did not feel any connection with these girls. However you brought the tragedy and sadness right in front of my eyes. As a woman and a European I feel responsible and I will donate to Ana Revenco's organisation. I hope that your exposure has brought some change. By the way I would imagine that a criminal organisation like the Mafia has its grip on this since it is Money that motivates the proces. Please keep up the work you are doing and thank you Joyce Lashbrook
my reaction
I wept.
Re: my reaction
I understand why. Thank you for sharing your reaction.
sex trafficking and pornography
A person who doesn't personally use the services of a sex worker thinks that they are not part of the whole web of sex trafficking. But I would think that any person who consumes pornography is also contributing to this world wide problem. And the use of pornography is trivialized and joked about in this country, as if it weren't adding to this trail of human misery. This is just my opinion (and I didn't see all of your documentary) but I was wondering if you have found any correlation between human trafficking and the pornography industry?
Re: sex trafficking and pornography
Yes, you are absolutely correct. You should take a look at the work and extensive research of Robert Jensen at the University of Texas at Austin.
Just watched the price of sex
First : it was a great documentary and truly enjoyed it. Secondly my heart goes out to the girls / young ladies that were kidnapped/ lied to. I have a 22 year old daughter very beautiful young lady that since birth I have often thought about things like that . She and my son(25) are now in Argentina on a missions trip with their /our church family. I told and stressed on and on always be with 3/4 people wherever you go. I don't know how I can help you and your cause but keep up the good work. God Bless You and please be careful
Re: Just watched the price of sex
Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Cellum. They are much appreciated.
Writing a Film Analysis Paper about the "Price of Sex"
Dear Mimi Chakarova, Today I watched your documentary, and felt very connected. I am an international student from Turkey. I am doing my masters degree in Radio, TV and Film; minoring at Women's Studies at the University of North Texas. This semester, I am taking Women in Film course, and International Documentary course. Your documentary is really interesting and great, and will let my professors know about it. Maybe, you would like to visit our university to screen your documentary as well as giving a presentation about your experiences. We would be very happy in our both departments--RTVF and Women's Studies (also International Studies). On Monday, I would contact with my professor to write my term paper about your documentary. Then, let you know about what my professor think about the idea. At the end of the semester, I can also share my film analysis paper with you via email. Since I am a student, and financially still depending on my family, I would like to ask you how can I help you for your project? Thank you for your time and effort that you made a very good documentary to create awareness about women trafficking. May life always supports you, and opens new doors with success, Gulin Eva
Re: Writing a Film Analysis Paper about the "Price of Sex"
Dear Gulin Eva, Thank you for your message and yes, I would love to receive your film analysis. Please send it here: mc@mclight.com. And the best way you can help the project is by exactly what you're doing -- letting others know about the film and your reaction to it. Wishing you all my best, Mimi
The Reality of Men's Minds
In view of the depravity of men since documented history, it is illogical to ever expect them to be cured in our forseeable future. However, what is in wonderfully forseeable 21st century is that due to technology it is possible that women could band together with lightning speed that would make the Arab Spring look like a revolution by pigeon-messaging. We as responsible women are the only force powerful enough as a collective group to dethrone these men who have been the cause of every war and guilty of approximately 99.999...% of all violence in history. Only when we are thoroughly disgusted enough to displace them for the health, safety, and well-being of our ourselves and our children, as well as displace them from further abuse of political power, can we begin to reduce the screams that must have reached the heavenly powers by now. They have certainly done this to themselves, and we women should weigh carefully any irrational notion that they will ever get better. This film shows that they could not get any worse. Only self-respecting women can bring the humanity needed for a humane world. We must join together to accomplish it; we must see them for the ugly reality that they are. I can personally testify that they are living pornography who defile women with every thought they think, but M. Chakarova has captured it thoroughly in her film with unimaginable courage. What the hell was 'God' thinking when he paired us together? Only 'God' knows the answer to this grave injustice.
Demand for girls
After watching this; & doing further research - how can this ever stop when there is a demand for girls in clubs/brothels worldwide? From what ive discovered - these clubs & girls are used & requested by the very rich/powerful people including senior government officials etc. How do you tackle a demand at that level?
Re: Demand for girls
You are absolutely right. We must tackle this in two ways and simultaneously -- by restructuring our understanding of accountability and by changing the mentality of demand. The latter will take much longer to achieve but when done in conjunction with law & justice, it's always more effective. If we call trafficking for what it really is -- systematic rape -- and the men who engage see it in its true light, we can reduce the numbers. But there is a third component -- social systems. We, as people and governments, must protect our most vulnerable. I'm sure it comes as no surprise to you that the majority of women and girls who are sold as slaves come from dire poverty, have no rights and ways for their families to find them.
Re: Demand for girls
Its a obviously not a quick fix & I dont think it will ever be completely stopped. Realistically do you think the situation will actually improve over the coming years? From what ive seen & read I get the impression that its like fighting a battle thats almost impossible to win. Very depressing. Like you said it will take a collective effort from numerous authorities/people - that wont be easy..
CONTACT WITH YOU
This film moved me. In Ecuador we are organizing a film festival STOP SEXUAL EXPLOITATION and we would like project this incredible documental film. How can we contact with you to achieve project this material in our film festival?.
Re: CONTACT WITH YOU
Thank you very much for your note. Please contact Maelle Guenegues at maelle@catndocs.com.
Re: CONTACT WITH YOU
Thanks!!! We will contact with yours.
is there any dating sites affiliated with this type of trafficking
I'm on a dating site called dream marriage , and I just don't want to contribute any money to these bastards so do you know where I could get a list of dating sites that r free of these criminals. I think you are doing a great thing for these girls. Keep up the good work.
thiis movie turned me on
i immediately went and masturbated
Re: thiis movie turned me on
Maybe you'll get lucky, Amanda, and you'll get trafficked and fat, sweaty pigs can turn you on all day.
Wanting to help
I accidentally entered your site, watched some stories, and I must say, I want to vomit. Is there any possible way how can I help? I am graduated lawyer with specialization in criminal law.
Re: Wanting to help
Dear Mr. Neumann, I'm glad that you had the chance to watch these women's stories, even if by accident. Please click on "Get Involved" on the site. You can also get int touch with La Strada in Prague and see what type of help they can benefit from. I know they are battling corruption and complacency as many others are as well. Thank you for posting your note. My best, Mimi Chakarova
Each person can do her part and open the minds of those around them
Hello My name is Maria, I live in Portugal and I saw your documentary 'The price of Sex' a few weeks ago. Since then I've been trying to reach you. I'm an actress and your film documentary was so strong that i couldn't forget it. It stayed in my mind! I'm contacting you because I would like to do a theater play based on it. Show the world, make people think about that reality, that can only be change by us. I would just like your permission to use some images. We are not a funded company. It's just me and some friends that want to make a difference and touch peoples hearts regarding this issue. I see art as an ability to shape mind, educate, make a difference. As an actress I'm currently working with children, of underprivileged neighborhoods, on a project called Education Through Art. If you would like more information about myself or the project I will gladly send you my resume. Hope to hear from you soon Sincerely Maria Ladeira
Wanting to help
After watching the documentary on human trafficking I was moved to tears and felt a tremendous amount of emotional pain for these women. They can never be the same after their experiences. I would love to know how I can help other than financial assistance alone. I would like to know how an organization of group of people can help young pre-teens/teens get international papers needed to get Visas in America and house some of these young girls in our safe homes. Give them a chance to improve their education, skills, talents, and to have a life of oppurtunity instead of hopelessness. Alice Bennett
Thank you for this Documentary
I only saw a few portions of your documentary on the doc channel here in the US, and just from what I saw I was horrified and appalled. I have seen other documentaries on human trafficking an sex-slavery, such as "Sex Slaves in the Suburbs" by MSNBC which is about sex trafficking in America. And I watched half of the movie "The Whistleblower" which is about sex trafficking in Bosnia based on a true story (I was too horrified to watch the rest of it). From what I saw of your documentary, it was very moving, and portrayed the reality of sex trafficking better then other documentaries I have seen. I also watched the slideshow on your main website (http://www.mclight.com/slideshow.html) which was extremely moving. The quote about the girl saying she was locked in a room with 12 men for 4 days made me want to cry. The horrors these women go through is unimaginable. In my opinion though, one of the root causes of this horrible tragedy is capitalism and the severe poverty that capitalism creates in these areas. You said in your film and this started happening after the fall of Communism. I don't necessarily believe in communism, but was communism better for this region where these women are being taken from? The reason why I saw capitalism is one of the root causes of this travesty is because of something that I heard Chis Hedges say, which is that in capitalism nothing is sacred, not even human beings, and everything is viewed as a commodity. This sounds exactly how these traffickers view these women, as commodities to profit from. The other reason I think capitalism is a root cause of this is because it seems to create immense wealth for a very few and leaves everyone else extremely poor (i.e. extreme wealth distribution inequality). Also, in response to some of the comments that I read, I wanted to mention that there is a major difference between prostitution and sex trafficking/sex slavery. The women in this documentary were sex slaves they were not prostitutes. I think if prostitution were legal though, it would help alleviate this problem. One last thing. I saw the part where you interviewed one the the "Johns" who would go to the brothels in the poorest areas, and who was also a cop (disgusting). Did you tell him that the women were being held at those brothels against their will? It sounded like he thought they chose to work there on their own. He said he respected them because they were working. WFT! Did he know that they didn't keep any of the money he gave them? That he was really giving his money to pimps and traffickers.
Re: Thank you for this Documentary
While I appreciate your perspective on the freedom to abuse under capitalism, please remember there are many abuses under a variety of systems and regimes. The problem is the human heart...a lack of conscience and morality. Thankfully, we have the freedom also under capitalism to do good unto the causes which break our hearts such as this one.
Screening at USC
http://vimeo.com/erikaprodriguez/mimichakarovausc Writer & director, Mimi Chakarova, speaks at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles after the screening of her film The Price of Sex.
Re: Screening at USC

Thank you.

Mimi- I have been recently hearing more and more about the material you covered in your film on the sex trade. I admire the courage it must take to engage with these realities to the level that you do. Thank you for the risks you have taken so more light is shed on these situations. I learned much from Price Of Sex. Blessings Maximus
Shouldn't this be avaiable, free on the internet?
I just watched it and my first reaction was to go over to facebook and post the video. I found out that I couldn't. You have other documentaries (for example "dark chocolate" about child slavery) freely available on the internet. Of course it's not good quality (that's the motivation to buy the dvd then), but people may see it. I understand you need revenues from your fantastic work and you deserve it. But this should be available to everyone to watch it. If it wouldn't have been for my intelligent parents I wouldn't have seen it. Here in Portugal it was broadcasted on the less important channel. I think it is possible to earn money with youtube when there are a lot of people watching it. I ask you to consider that. Because this is important. I am really shocked.
Re: Shouldn't this be avaiable, free on the internet?
Dear Miguel, Thank you for your comment. I made a decision early on that I wanted the help of experienced and conscientious distributors, both in the U.S. and in Europe. Women Make Movies, our U.S. distributor, excels in promoting films in the university, library and nonprofit arena and I wanted young people to watch this film and be aware of the issues addressed. Our distributor in Europe does an excellent job with international broadcast and at this point, I can comfortably say that "The Price of Sex" has reached viewers throughout the world and continues to do so. Yes, the film will be available online and what you wrote is something I think about as well. All my best, Mimi
I was very moved by the plight of these women!
As an American I am a poor person, thats is when it comes to money,ect., but when I watched this movie I became aware of how rich I am. Not only in the money but in the way we live. I live in the riches country in the world & I feel ashamed. I've offen complained about how much it cost to live. I now see I don't have the right to complain about the little things that go on in my life as these. These people, young girls, women taken from their homes, or tricked into leaving home & turned into slaves for eval men & women to get rich from their suffering.What kind of people can live with themself after doing this to another? I have watched a lot of documentories but this was one of the best. It made me feel like I had to say, "Wayne you are a bastard if you don't try an help." Each year I have 4 charties I give a donation to. This is not a lot of money, but I would be willing to make it (1) donation a year: To your organation. I'll do what I can to help you get the message out there for these people, or you can use the donation to help the victums, or in any way you see fit to help these people. I've seen a lot of bad things happen to good people, but to have someone do this to others is one of the worst things I've ever heard of. This must be stopped! I don't beleive the U.S. has not been more involved, If in no other way letting the people know about these happenings. Mimi Chakarova need to be commended for her part along with all who risk their lives filming this great movie. You give me hope that in this mad world there is love, not for only one self & family but for everyone. May GOD forgive those who are doing this to these young women because I don't know if I can. At least for now. A fitting punishment would be for them to suffer the fate they made their victums go through! I don't what to end on a bad thought so may all of your days be like the best day of your life, & GOD bless you and all you will ever do! With my thanks, Wayne Harris Please us my e-mail to let me know how I can help. 7-15-2012