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Deep Dive: Slaves (2007)

Film Lens

Slaves
The documentary examines modern slavery, focusing on children forced to work in mines and factories, and illegal immigrants deceived by traders. It shows the persistence of slavery in the 21st century, particularly in the Republic of Niger, where an estimated 8,500 to 870,000 individuals are enslaved despite the practice being illegal. The film portrays the harsh realities faced by these individuals, who are often inherited or treated as property by their masters. Set against the backdrop of Niger, one of the world's poorest countries, the film introduces the TW tribe, who maintain a tradition of slavery. It details the social hierarchy within the tribe, where darker-skinned tribes are considered lower. The documentary provides a stark look at the lives of those who serve their masters, revealing the complexities of a society where wealth is measured by the number of slaves owned and access to resources like water.

Why Watch

  • Meet the TW tribe and learn about their traditions.
  • Find out how slavery persists in modern Niger.
  • See the stark contrast between wealth and poverty in Niger.

Did You Know

The Republic of Niger has an estimated 8,500 to 870,000 slaves.
Niger is one of the last countries in the world to continue the tradition of slavery.
23% of Niger's land is covered by desert.
The TW tribe in Niger has a unique language with an alphabet of 24 letters.

Perfect For

Human rights advocatesStudents of African historySocial justice activists