Watch The Rescue List

The Rescue List is a powerful and moving documentary film that follows the lives of two young boys, Peter and Evans, who have been enslaved in the Ghanaian fishing industry. Directed by Alyssa Fedele and Zachary Fink, the film sheds light on the issue of child trafficking and exploitation in West Africa and tells the story of the courageous individuals who are fighting to rescue and rehabilitate these children.

The film centers on the work of a non-profit organization called Challenging Heights, founded by James Kofi Annan, a former child slave who has dedicated his life to saving other children from the same fate. Through his organization, Annan and his team conduct covert operations to identify and rescue children who have been sold into slavery by their families or abducted from their homes.

The Rescue List takes us deep into the heart of the fishing villages where these children are forced to work long hours under dangerous conditions, often subjected to physical and emotional abuse. We meet Peter and Evans, two young boys who dream of going to school and becoming doctors one day, but are instead forced to spend their days untangling fishing nets and hauling heavy buckets of fish. We see the toll that this life has taken on them, as they struggle with exhaustion, illness, and the constant fear of punishment.

Through interviews with the boys themselves, as well as with their families and the rescuers who have worked to save them, we gain a deep understanding of the complex web of factors that contribute to child trafficking in West Africa. Poverty, lack of education, and traditional beliefs about the value of hard work all play a role, as do the corrupt practices of unscrupulous traffickers who prey on vulnerable families.

The film also highlights the innovative strategies that Challenging Heights and other organizations are using to combat child trafficking and provide support to survivors. We see the boys as they participate in a rehabilitation program that includes counseling, education, and vocational training. We witness the joy on their faces as they learn to read and write for the first time, and the determination with which they approach their new skills.

The Rescue List is not an easy film to watch. The stories of these children and the conditions in which they are forced to live are heartbreaking, and the injustice of the situation is difficult to comprehend. However, the film is also a testament to the resilience and hope of the human spirit. It shows us that even in the most challenging circumstances, there are individuals and organizations fighting to make a difference, and that every child deserves to be free, safe, and able to fulfill their potential.

Overall, The Rescue List is a deeply moving and important film that shines a light on an issue that is all too often hidden from view. It encourages us to confront the realities of child trafficking and exploitation, and to take action to support those who are working tirelessly to create change. It is a must-see for anyone interested in social justice, human rights, and the power of community action to make a difference in the world.

The Rescue List is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 80 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.