Sydney’s Shalom Institute is to present the inaugural Australian screening of the human trafficking documentary film Not My Life.

Filmed on five continents over a period of four years, Not My Life depicts the horrifying and dangerous practices of human trafficking and modern slavery. Vivid and unflinching yet dignified and compassionate, the documentary provides insights into a variety of human rights abuses and features testimony from survivors.

With the approach of the festival of Passover, it is most fitting that we reflect on the Jewish people’s own ancient story of slavery to freedom, and the tragic reality that slavery still exists across the world today.

Following the screening of the film, a panel of experts will address the audience. They include Felicity Gerry, international barrister and media commentator with a special research interest into this human rights issue, and Bill Hurditch, Director of Hagar Australia, which works in the area of protection, recovery and reintegration of women and children who have been victims of human trafficking. The discussion will be moderated by Janet Granek, Sydney Education Director of Jewish Aid Australia.

Not My Life is produced and directed by Oscar nominee Robert Bilheimer, President of Worldwide Documentaries, a non-profit film production company focusing on subjects of social, cultural, and humanitarian concern. The film is narrated by Oscar nominated actress Glenn Close.

Watch the trailer here

This special event is the produced by three divisions at The Shalom Institute – Network, Hillel and Encounters – and is a unique opportunity to engage with an important global issue which resonates so strongly with Jewish history.

The film will be shown on Thursday 3 April at Event Cinemas Bondi Junction.

Tickets are $10 and may be purchased via www.theshalominstitute.org.au.
For more information about the event, please contact Natalie Hirsch on (02) 9381 4273 or

[email protected].