Human trafficking is focus of online film festival

Some of the films that will be screened during the “See it. End it.” film festival, which starts Tuesday.

A virtual film and arts festival kicks off this week, shining a light on this country’s human trafficking crisis.

The six-day festival, titled “See it. End it,” will feature films, panel discussions, musical performances, keynotes, and messages from artists and influencers.

Each day will feature a different theme relevant to human trafficking.

The festival gets underway Tuesday, Nov. 17, with Opening Night. The rest of the schedule includes:

• Wednesday, Nov. 18: Vulnerabilities and Foster Care

• Thursday, Nov. 19: Prevention

• Friday, Nov. 20: Labor Trafficking

• Saturday, Nov. 21: Vulnerabilities of Children in Trafficking

• Sunday, Nov. 22: Closing Night - The End is in Sight

The film festival is free to watch but registration is required. Register online here.

Human trafficking is a multi-billion dollar industry second only to drug trafficking in annual profit. U.S. Department of State estimates that 14,500 to 17,500 persons are brought into the United States each year for labor or sexual exploitation.

Los Angeles County is a hub for human trafficking. Its proximity to ports and international airports and its diverse population make it an ideal destination and transit stop for trafficked persons.