Hidden in plain sight: arresting film from Salvation Army by award-winning production team shows the many faces of modern slavery

The Salvation Army, in collaboration with the award-winning team at film production company, Fat Lemon, has released a powerfully arresting short film that has been created to introduce viewers to the many faces of modern slavery that are often hidden in plain sight.

Kathy Betteridge, Director of Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery explains: “We are always looking for ways to confront the public with the reality of trafficking and modern slavery, which is why we are so grateful to the team at Fat Lemon for helping us to create this authentic film.”

All of the acting and production team provided their time and expertise free of charge for this project. Fat Lemon, who makes TVCs and creative content for brands across the world, worked with director Alex Haines, world class post production facility Freefolk, brilliant composer Seymour Milton – who produced an original score for the film and DOP – and highly rated cinematographer, David Foulkes.

Kathy added: “When people are seen as commodities, the ways in which they can be used is seemingly endless; and this is reflected in the film’s scenes. It shows various scenarios where you might come across someone who might be trapped in modern slavery – in a café, a beauty salon, in a car wash, and maybe they’re not being treated well, maybe they’re not wearing the right clothes or carrying the proper equipment, maybe they look malnourished or they’re always silent. 

“We hope viewers are inspired to sit up and take notice of people in their everyday lives, that it will help them feel more comfortable and justified to question what doesn’t seem right.”

Cabell Hopkins, Exec Producer at Fat Lemon Productions said: “It was a fantastic opportunity to be involved in making a film that carries such a strong message and for such a great cause. As film makers, to make a contribution that will hopefully help people is an honour and shows how lucky we are to be doing what we do.”

The Salvation Army believes many lives can be saved and many others prevented from months – even years – of suffering unnecessarily if more people were aware that victims can access support and if members of the public were equipped to spot the signs of modern slavery. 

Kathy concludes: “We need to tackle this from both sides – we need victims to see a way out and trust that it’s real, but we also need members of the public to put aside their natural tendency to mind their own business and speak out if something they see isn’t quite right.”

Watch the film.

For more information visit The Salvation Army modern slavery page.