True Nightmares

“Help others” ranks among the most popular New Year’s resolutions, but it can be hard to decide which societal ill to eradicate. To mark Human Trafficking Awareness Day, Michael Cory Davis’ short films screen for free at the Record Bar (1020 Westport Road, 816-753-5207) at 7 p.m. The documentaries bring to light the unspeakable realities of modern-day sexual slavery. Svetlana’s Journey relates the harrowing true story of a 13-year-old girl whose adoptive “parents” sell her to pimps. “The orphanage said these people would keep me safe,” Svetlana says. “Maybe grown-ups don’t know what safe really means.” Cargo: Innocence Lost takes a large-scale look at this appalling black market. A panel, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Cordes and local police officers, will discuss close-to-home cases of human trafficking and tell fledgling philanthropists how to help. For information, call 816-257-9356.
Record Bar


Sun., Jan. 11, 7 p.m., 2009