Wednesday, June 18, 2014 Houston, Texas hosts a human trafficking awareness and fundraising event at St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church, 10503 Westheimer Rd., Room 127 from 7-10pm Central time. Houston Rescue and Restore Coalition is sponsoring the event which is aimed at raising awareness to the community and funds for rescued victims of trafficking.

The Houston Rescue and Restore Coalition (HRRC) is a dedicated coalition of Houston-area non-profits, faith-based organizations, government agencies and law enforcement agencies.  The HRRC was established as a volunteer coalition in 2005 in response to the growing recognition and alarm over the prevalence of human trafficking in the Greater Houston Metropolitan region.

One of the highlights of the event is the screening of the Houston based documentary, The Cantinera, produced and directed by Ruth Villatoro of Toros Films. After the screening Ruth Villatoro will participate in a town hall interactive discussion about the film and how it’s brought attention to the plight of the “cantina girls” working night after night in Latin bars, not only in Houston, but across the country.

Villatoro’s film captures the essence of trafficking for sex in the gritty bars and hidden back rooms in Houston’s cantinas. She takes viewers into the secret life along with a group of advocates who fearlessly tread into dangerous situations looking for victims and offering help. All the while, the film records the true story of one cantinera who was brought into the life by her mother at 13, how she lived for 23 years drinking 30 beers a night, and how she longs for sobriety and a second chance.

The Cantinera Documentary has been shown on college campuses and human trafficking conferences since it’s release and now it’s available for the general public. To order a personal copy of The Cantinera click here. It’s encouraged to bring experienced human trafficking speakers to events to conduct discussion and answer questions following the screening of the film. Dottie Laster and Producer/Director Ruth Villatoro are both available to come to communities to lead interactive discussions about the film and human trafficking in detail.

During the event the Houston Rescue and Restore Coalition representatives will present an overview of their art exhibit on display at the church, as well as hold raffles for artwork, prizes and handcrafted gifts with all proceeds benefiting the Coalition.

Houston Screening of The Cantinera Documentary at Awareness and Fundraising Event