Modern Slavery (2009)

A Norwegian documentary confronting the 27 million people still enslaved worldwide, urging viewers to recognize their own role in a global crisis.

Modern Slavery - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Moderne slaveri
  • Release Year: 2009
  • Directed by: Thomas Robsahm, Tina Davis
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Documentary
  • Runtime: 1h 48m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Release Date (Theatrical): April 23, 2009 (Norway)
  • Production Companies: Speranza Film
  • Production Countries: Norway

Modern Slavery - Plot

There's 27 million slaves in the world today. We find them in the sex industry, as child soldiers, as unpaid housekeepers and in production and as shop workers. We have all a responsibility for this.

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Modern Slavery - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Thomas Robsahm
  • Tina Davis

Main Cast

  • Noam Chomsky
  • Bob Geldof
  • Joseph Stiglitz
  • Somaly Mam
  • Supriyah Awasthi
  • Kevin Bales
  • Jan Egeland
  • Johan Galtung

Writers

  • Thomas Robsahm
  • Margreth Olin

Producers

  • Thomas Robsahm
  • Margreth Olin

Modern Slavery - FAQs

What is Modern Slavery about?

Modern Slavery is a hard-hitting Norwegian documentary that confronts the uncomfortable truth that 27 million people remain enslaved today. It investigates slavery across the sex industry, child soldiering, domestic servitude, and forced labor, arguing that global consumers share responsibility for perpetuating these systems.

Who are the main voices in Modern Slavery?

The documentary features a remarkable lineup of thinkers and activists, including linguist and political critic Noam Chomsky, musician and humanitarian Bob Geldof, Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz, anti-trafficking survivor and advocate Somaly Mam, and slavery scholar Kevin Bales, among others.

Where can you stream Modern Slavery?

You can stream Modern Slavery for free on Hoopla. Hoopla is available through many public libraries, so you may be able to watch it at no cost with a valid library card.

Who directed Modern Slavery?

Modern Slavery was co-directed by Thomas Robsahm and Tina Davis. Robsahm also served as a writer and producer on the project, alongside fellow writer and producer Margreth Olin, a highly regarded Norwegian documentary filmmaker known for her socially engaged work.

Is Modern Slavery based on real events?

Absolutely. Modern Slavery is entirely grounded in documented reality. The film draws on verified research, survivor testimony, and expert analysis to illustrate the scale and diversity of contemporary slavery, from sex trafficking networks to forced domestic labor and child soldiers in conflict zones.

When was Modern Slavery released?

Modern Slavery had its Norwegian release on April 23, 2009. The film was produced by Speranza Film and represents a Norwegian contribution to global documentary filmmaking on human rights and social justice issues.

What makes Modern Slavery relevant today?

Despite being released in 2009, Modern Slavery remains urgently relevant. Global estimates suggest tens of millions of people are still trapped in forced labor and trafficking. The film's central argument — that ordinary consumers and global systems enable slavery — continues to resonate and challenge audiences worldwide.

What are similar documentaries to Modern Slavery?

If Modern Slavery resonates with you, consider watching Capital in the Twenty-First Century (2019), The Edge of Democracy (2019), or The Mole Agent (2020). These documentaries similarly engage with systemic injustice, inequality, and human dignity from thoughtful, internationally minded perspectives.

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