WomenInFilm.Dallas and the Dallas Women's Foundation are proud to present filmmaker Libby Spears' acclaimed documentary, "Playground," followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker, on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at Studio Movie Grill - Royal Lane.

"Wherever drugs are being sold, children are being sold."

           - Eileen Jacobs, FBI

<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><!--[endif]-->Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery that affects both Americans and foreigners, according to Children At Risk, the Houston-based advocacy and research center. It affects everyone, but women and children are its most vulnerable victims. And while human trafficking is a relatively unknown issue, Texas has become a hub for the international crime because of its interstate highways, bus stations, airports, shipping, a large amount of sexually oriented businesses, and its shared border with Mexico.

<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->"For $1,500, you can rent a ten year-old for the weekend."<!--[endif]-->

            - Portland, OR

Spears' "Playground" is a hard-hitting, investigative look at the sex trade and human trafficking in the United States. She tempers hard-hitting facts and stark statistics with innovative animation and a thoughtful soundtrack, including music by Bjork, Radiohead, Chris Martin, Blonde Redhead, Cat Power, Sigur Rós, CocoRosie, Basement Jaxx, DJ Shadow, and Kazu Makino.

Executive Produced by Dallas philanthropists Lauren & Gayle Embrey, as well as George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Steven Soderbergh, Abby Disney, and Jeff Vespa, the film gracefully weaves together expert interviews with personal stories. At the heart of it lies Michelle, an American girl lost to the underbelly of childhood sexual exploitation who has yet to resurface a decade later.

The screening begins at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a Q&A from the filmmaker. Tickets are $5 for members and SMU students and $8 for nonmembers. Nonprofits are invited to purchase blocks of tickets at the discounted member price. For more information, please email chickflicks@wifdallas.org or publicity@wifdallas.org.

<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><!--[endif]--> The Chick Flicks Film Series is the primary fundraiser for WIF.D's two yearly scholarships, awarded every fall to Texas women studying media production.

The screening is also brought to you in part by the SMU Department of Cinema.

WIF.D Members & SMU Students − $5 Each	Non-Members − $8 Each	DWF Members Free − RSVP