Directed by Larysa Kondracki

I did not know that the United States is the only country participating in international peacekeeping missions not sending their own military troops. It outsources contracts to private companies. In 1999, when Nebraskan police officer Kathryn Bolkovac (Rachel Weisz) accepted a one-year contract with private contractor Democra Security for a peacekeeping mission to post-war Bosnia, it was a lucrative venture. Divorced for the second time and losing the custody of her daughter who was moving to another town, Bolkovac thought that the $100,000 tax-free dollars would help her. Also, her career at home was not going anywhere and she hoped for something more fulfilling.

Working with local police to get the first domestic violence conviction in Bosnia since the war, Bolkovac was made the head of the United Nation’s Gender Office, investigating sexual assaults, domestic abuse and sex trafficking. She uncovered evidence that young women were being brought into Bosnia for sexual exploitation – by the very people who were meant to be helping the country re-establish itself. Managing to speak with some of these scared young women, she uncovered corruption, cover-ups and crimes against humanity by those mandated to protect the population. With diplomatic immunity for all overseas workers, she battled against the odds to do something about the situation.

This real-life political thriller is almost unbelievable but director Larysa Kondracki wants her audience to know that ‘this is happening … it’s actually much worse and [it’s] continuing to happen.’ She personalises the story by introducing the character of Raya (Rozanna Condurache) who was sold by a relative. The film is hard-hitting but, by seeing some of the brutal psychological and physical torture that the girls endure, she hopes to convey the message that the victims of these crimes are tangible, and the world needs more people like Kathryn Bolkovac.

Lezly Herbert

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