The film is a heartbreaking story of child trafficking, slavery and labor in the Ivory Coast. The journalists follow the trafficking and slavery process from beginning to end. They interview people in the trafficking business and the anti-trafficking fight. They confront blatant lies and cover-ups and expose the tragic truth.
This little girl they intercepted in the trafficking process. She had open sores on her legs and said that her family will be disappointed that she is returning.
The film had great potential in its story telling, but an incredibly disappointing ending. After such an incredible story with great footage, the film ends with the journalists berating major chocolate companies to no avail. The last scene is broadcasting the film on a giant screen in front of a chocolate factory.
This is such an unfortunate ending to me because it provides no action steps. Addressing the chocolate industry is only a partial solution at best, and aggressive smear campaigns have not worked as well as positive reinforcement for the companies who are fair trade. The film gives no clues for consumer activism (how do I make sure to buy slave-free chocolate?) or any other viewer action step.
Ultimately, the film is like a well-designed, visually striking lamp with no light bulb.
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