Awareness through Art

Film in the 21st century has become a beacon of hope. The availability to filmmaking equipment has allowed any filmmaker with a story the opportunity to make their dream a reality. The amount of platforms that show such productions has grown as well, enabling audiences the possibility to view stories from all over. In short, filmmakers like Larry Coulter are able to produce a story that he is passionate about to be viewed worldwide in the hopes to bring awareness to the subjects at the center of the film.

Coulter, with his producing partner Janell Smith of Iron Dragon Productions, are using their new short film Slaves as a talking point to discuss the horrors of trafficking around the world. They combined their desires to produce a socially conscious film with their filmmaking backgrounds to work on the proof of concept and help bring awareness to this monstrous situation.

Slaves is not your typical child kidnapping plot. Written and produced by Coulter, this film focuses on the horrendous black market world of human sex trafficking. It’s an emotional topic that has been addressed before, but not like this.

“While this film does share those same tones, it also shows a different perspective, and that’s one from the point of the rescuers,” Coulter explains. “Why would these individuals put themselves in grave danger for other people’s children? What makes them tick gives the story an intriguing edge.”

Smith was immediately attracted to Coulter’s passion when it came to the project. She explains that she is very particular on what types of films she works on, focusing on films that have a message. “This is a very serious subject matter that needs attention,” she adds.

In helping to bring this topic to film, Coulter and Smith did their research on the subject of trafficking, but it was with the help of co-producer and actor in the film Tim Kennedy that Slaves is able to be the unique film that it is. Smith has worked with Kennedy in several other productions in the past and mentioned his involvement to Coulter after reading the script.

“I knew Tim would be a good fit for this type of film with his military and acting background. I connected the two of them and Tim agreed to be a part of the project not only as an actor but also as a co-Producer,” Smith adds.

Kennedy, being an Army Ranger himself, has a wealth of knowledge on elite missions and brought an authenticity to the story that so many others lack. This was an important element for Coulter, one he considers a blessing.

“I had a lot of fun working with him on the proof of concept and he was very generous helping to make all the tactical elements appear authentic as possible,” Coulter adds. “As an actor you’re always trying to be as true to the character as you can. But here with him, you have the real deal, an Army Ranger, a sniper. I’m looking forward to doing the feature so we can show him off more and give the film as much credibility as possible.”

Slaves deals with the topic of human trafficking, but that is not the only highly emotional issue they are addressing. This film will also tackles with the topic of PTSD, but not in the way that you think.

“The film’s themes are PTSD, which doesn’t only occur to soldiers returning home from combat but can happen to anyone who sufferers a personal tragedy,” Coulter adds.  “You see a hint of it with this proof of concept film as one of the rescuers talks about a personal event that happened. However, the full feature expands on it in greater detail.”

Two heavy hitting topics might seem too much for one film, but the delicacy they are handled within the film is the true testament to Coulter’s story. Each subject is addressed with respect, allowing for a different side of each coin to be examined.

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, it’s important to mention that Slaves is not a feature film yet. Coulter and team have created a Proof of Concept for potential investors. This short film touches on the major themes of the film and shows a glimpse of what is to be expected.

“This proof of concept just gives you a taste of what the story elements are. If we’re fortunate to produce the full feature, what people will be able to see is a very intriguing, intelligent film with more interesting characters, incredible action sequences and suspenseful drama. It’ll definitely turn some heads but also leave you thinking on an emotional level,” Coulter says.

From the looks of the concept video, this film is going to be powerful. If 11 minutes can open your mind to new worlds, imagine what can happen in 2 hours?  The plan for the feature includes some exotic locales with impressive action sequences, but always staying true to Coulter’s vision and the team’s’ passion for the project.

Above all, the hope is that the film is made to bring awareness to the topics expressed in Slaves. Using film as a medium, Coulter and Smith, along with all involved in the production, have been awarded the opportunity to use their talents to help facilitate social change.

“My hope is people will realize that this is a serious subject matter and that this film needs to be made in order to help raise awareness for the innocent victims of human trafficking,” Smith says.

“Not only will this film entertain but will also help raise awareness. If by after seeing this film, it encourages or motivates anyone to help do the same or more, which in turn may save the life of someone enslaved… then all the effort into making this film will have been well worth it,” Coulter adds.

For more information on the film and to stay up to date on the latest information, please go to the Slaves’ official website or Facebook page.