• CNN Freedom Project and Tony Maddox honoured by US State Department

    MUMBAI: The U.S.

  • “THE FIGHTERS”: NEW FEATURE-LENGTH CNN FREEDOM PROJECT DOCUMENTARY

    Submitted by ITV Production on May 15

    MUMBAI: Following a two-year CNN investigation, the two-hour documentary The Fighters chronicles Philippine human rights pioneer Cecilia Flores-Oebanda in her journey to protect children from the sex trade and convince the Philippines‘ biggest star, Manny Pacquiao, to join her as a fighter in the battle against modern-day slavery. The Fighters Premieres in India on May 17, 2013 with Part 1 of the documentary premiering at 4:30 PM IST on Friday, May 17 and Part 2 of the documentary premiering at 4:30 PM IST on Saturday. May 18, 2013

    It‘s estimated more than 100,000 children work in the sex trade in the Philippines. Since founding her anti-trafficking organization, Visayan Forum, in 1991, Cecilia Flores-Oebanda has helped more than 70,000 victims or potential victims of human trafficking. She believes if Pacquiao, an elected congressman in the Philippines and the country?s biggest star, champions her cause, it could mean a turning point.

    But just when it begins to look like she‘s winning, allegations of fraud and missing funds threaten to ruin her life‘s work as she is forced to change her focus from saving children to saving the organization she set up to help them.

    ?The Fighters is a remarkable film that represents the very core of the CNN Freedom Project, namely a desire to shine a spotlight into the darkness of human trafficking and to champion those who have dedicated their lives to ending it,? said Tony Maddox, executive vice president and managing director for CNN International.

    ?This documentary also represents a formidable journalistic achievement, the culmination of more than two years of tenacious, tireless reporting. I salute those who have brought it to our screens and, with it, discussion on this critical issue into millions of homes around the world,? he added.

    Airing on CNN International on two consecutive nights beginning in May, The Fighters provides a unique glimpse into the world of combating human trafficking through the eyes of those risking their lives so that others may live theirs in freedom. It explores themes of social justice and globalization, as well as offering insight into both the benefits and drawbacks inherent in governmental-charity-celebrity partnerships.

    ‘The Fighters’ is produced and narrated by Leif Coorlim, executive editor of the CNN Freedom Project.

    'The Fighters' broadcasts on CNN International at the following airtimes:

    Part I Part II

    Friday,May17,2013,4:30PMIST
    Saturday,May18,2013,4:30PMIST
    Saturday,May18,2013,7:30AMIST

    Sunday,May19,2013,7:30AMIST

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