By Courtney McCullers
Some stories don’t come into focus until film gives them form. Human trafficking is an issue that rarely announces itself, even in cities where it’s reported often. North Carolina consistently ranks among the states with the most reported cases. The Charlotte area serves as a regional hub for trafficking due to major highways, population movement, and local demand — conditions that allow exploitation to hide in plain sight.
On Saturday, Jan. 10, the Independent Picture House invites the community to a free Community Impact Film Series event focused on human trafficking. Developed in collaboration with local partner organizations, the event brings together film screenings, a resource fair, and a panel discussion to explore the issue through storytelling, professional insight, and community conversation.
Resource Fair | 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Attendees are invited to connect with local organizations providing education, advocacy, legal support, health care, and survivor services:
- A21
- Atrium Health (Sexual Assault Unit and Human Trafficking)
- Charlotte Metro Human Trafficking Task Force
- Hope for Justice
- Legal Aid of North Carolina
- Present Age Ministries
- The Lantern Project
Much of this work happens quietly due to its sensitive and confidential nature. The resource fair offers an opportunity to learn directly from those serving the Charlotte community and to better understand the support systems that exist locally.
Film Screening | 11:00 a.m.
The program includes a feature and three short films, selected in collaboration with local partners and appropriate for high school and adult audiences.
- The Twelve Thousand (28 minutes)
Shot on location in Kathmandu, the film follows Sona’s experience of trafficking and her decision, years later, to share her story as part of her healing and advocacy.
- Petya’s Story (10 minutes)
- City of Ghost (14 minutes)
- Recruitment (15 minutes)
Panel Discussion and Q&A | 12:15 p.m.
Following the screenings, a panel of local experts will discuss how trafficking intersects with Charlotte and the surrounding region, as well as the realities of response, recovery, and prevention.
Panelists include:
- Kailey Kelley, A21
- Sean Eldridge, A/Rise Group
- Hannah Arrowood, Present Age Ministries
- Amanda Hinnant, Legal Aid of North Carolina
- Desiree Vassallo, FBI
Film can create space for questions that do not always have easy answers. This event offers an opportunity to listen, learn, and engage more deeply with an issue that affects our city.
Join us on Saturday, Jan. 10. Reserve your free ticket here.