Thailand’s seafood industry is one of the largest in the world. But years of illegal and invasive fishing have forced boats further and further from shore, leaving then chronically undermanned. And an insidious solution has emerged: human traffickers sell captives into slavery on the ships. There, the men — who were often tricked or kidnapped into servitude — are worked to the bone, beaten, maimed and never paid. Many go years without seeing land; others escape but are never the same. And all unwillingly contribute to an industry that is obliterating ocean ecosystems. Told through the eyes of three activists — a woman who devotes her life to rescuing and finding compensation for the men, a former slave and a local fixer — Ghost Fleet offers a somber and eye-opening exposé into a shadowy world of greed and mistreatment, and the individuals fighting to shut it down, one freed slave at a time.
Please stay after the screening for a very special guest Q&A with the film’s producer, Jon Bowermaster.
In addition to the film, EarthxFilm will screen Ghost Fleet VR in the lobby. Be sure to come early, you won’t want to miss it!
Ghost Fleet VR immerses viewers in the disturbing true story of slavery in the Thai fishing industry. Based on the feature documentary, Ghost Fleet, the project introduces viewers to Tun Lin, who was kidnapped when he was 14. He retraces his ordeal, and recounts his brave escape from a prison made of water.
Thank you to community partners: North Texas Coalition Against Human Trafficking, Project Moses Mosaic, Dallas Casa, GreenSource DFW, Natural Awakings DFW Sponsored by: Smurfit Kappa
ABOUT EarthX
EarthX strives to be the leading global connector to positively impact our world for a sustainable future. EarthX is a member of IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature. Formerly Earth Day Texas, EarthX hosts the largest environmental expo, conference and film festival in the world in Dallas. Founded in 2011 by environmentalist and businessman Trammell S. Crow, the Texas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization promotes environmental awareness by curating an atmosphere for conscious business, nonpartisan collaboration and community-driven sustainable solutions. In 2019, the event drew over 177,000 attendees, 2,000 environmental leaders, exhibitors and 400 speakers. Earthx2020 will be held April 22 – 26, 2020 in Dallas.
