'Call + Response' Raises a Voice Against Human Trafficking

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Director Talks About New Documentary on Slavery

Director and producer Justin Dillon talks about his film, "Call + Response," a documentery about modern slavery.

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Dillon, a musician, said that was his reaction when he became aware of human trafficking while touring with a band in Russia. The women who translated for the musicians told of job offers in the United States and, thinking that their stories didn't add up, Dillon asked to see his translator's contract. They tried calling several times, he said, and when nobody picked up, he warned the translator that those job offers might be a trap.

"We were telling someone, 'Run for your life,' and she was like, 'No, I'll take my chances,' " Dillon recalled. "That's what got me."

When Dillon returned home, he contacted nonprofit agencies that combat human trafficking. "I said, 'I'm a musician. I'm not famous. I'd like to help. I'll do anything I can.' They said, 'What can you do?' I said, 'I can put on a concert, a fundraiser.' "

One concert became several concerts, and they evolved into the film project, paid for with donations. Dillon said that all of the profits will go to projects such as buying a vehicle for a rehab camp that helps child soldiers.

"Our goal is to fund and celebrate projects. We are closing the loop by allowing viewers to become participants in the solution," he said. "We don't let people out of the theaters until they can already begin responding."

Audience members may donate on the spot or request more information. Dillon said the film becomes a social contract, leaving viewers with this question about human slavery:

Now that you know, how will you respond?