Israeli-Canadian documentary wins Emmy
'Sex Slaves' trumps best investigative journalism category, winning broadcast journalism's highest honor
The Israeli-British-Canadian documentary "Sex Slaves" was awarded the Emmy for best investigative journalism documentary Tuesday, by the American Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
The movie, directed by Esther Bienstock, was produced by the Israeli Second Authority for Television and Radio, UK's Channel 4 and Toronto-based Associated Producers.
"Sex Slaves" investigated the multi-billion dollar world of sex trafficking of women in the former Soviet Union, focusing on the sex trade in the Ukraine and Moldova.
The film followed the story of a Ukraine man in search of his pregnant wife, who was smuggled into Turkey. The camera shadowed his journey and eventually showed him masquerading as a human trafficker, as he tried to buy back his wife.
The film premiered on the PBS network in the US and on Channel 4 in the UK in early February and has since aired in over 30 countries.
"My aim was to put a human face on this headline grabbing story," said Bienstock in her Emmy acceptance speech, adding all those involved in the film's making were grateful to be able to bring the tragedy of human trafficking to TV's prime time.
"Sex Slaves" was also awarded the British Broadcast Award for best documentary in the UK, and the US' Edward R Murrow Award for investigative journalism.
