By Ajong Mbapndah L
The fight against human trafficking will get a serious boast when “Break Out”, a movie produced by Juliet Mbonu premieres on Nov 17 at Bowie Performance Arts Center, in MD, USA.With a cast from Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Senegal, Gambia, Ethiopia, South Africa, Togo, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, the movie paints a gory picture of human trafficking especially with young women who are lured from developing countries into prostitution.Shot in several locations across Nigeria and the USA,the movie sends a strong message of deterrence to young women who may become unwitting victims of human trafficking ,says Juliet Mbonu.
Your latest movie Break Out is set to premiere on Nov 17, what is the movie about?
Juliet Mbonu: The movie is about Human Trafficking on the international stage, particularly as it affects women in many developing countries, who are lured into prostitution in developed countries
What message do you seek to send to the public with the movie?
Juliet Mbonu: The movie conveys the many complicated and horrific aspects of being lured into prostitution, outside one’s home country, and delivers a powerful message to deter young women from being victims of human & sex trafficking
Where was the movie shot and how long did it take you get it to this level?
Juliet Mbonu: The movie was shot in multiple locations in Nigeria/Africa and the United States. It took about one year to complete the research, shooting, and editing of the movie. Technical crews were flown from the US to Nigeria to capture authentic rarely seen footages in Nigeria. High-end technology was used in the US to capture the latest cinematography.
https://youtu.be/S7jaf1S60EM
As you Break Out gets set for its big release, could you introduce the cast for us?
Juliet Mbonu: Certainly, the most exciting aspect of the movie is that the cast was recruited from the US and at least ten different African countries, in order to capture the diversity of international sex & human trafficking. The cast countries of origin include: Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Senegal, Gambia, Ethiopia, South Africa, Togo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and others..
What are some of the challenges that you faced in the production of Break Out?
Juliet Mbonu. The Budget: Raising money for such a huge project was a big challenge, however, where there is a will, there is a way. My faith in God propelled the movie from a dream to a reality. 2. Moving a technical production team around the world from the US to Nigeria, and back to the US, represented serious logistical challenges, but it turned out to be a great and exotic adventure.
Any plans for distribution especially in Africa with its huge market and the relevance of the movie’s theme?
Juliet Mbonu: Absolutely, there are Theater Premieres coming up in DC (November 17th), then NY, LA, and other US Cities, after which the Movie moves to South Africa, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, and others
With regards the issue of child trafficking, how serious is this in Africa and what more could be done to get it under control?
Juliet Mbonu: Governments, institutions, and parents in Africa and other developing countries, all have a role to play. Parents must be restrained in their expectations from their children, and in becoming tacit enablers for child sexual trafficking. Even though we’ve seen reports of very poor people who give tacit approval to their daughters traveling abroad, with unclear perceptions of various employment opportunities; however a cursory look should alert people to dangers lurking in the horizon. Finally, young women should be extremely careful in their personal expectations…… there is no glamorous life waiting out there, for people who have not paid their dues in education, training, and other tutelage.
To those who do not know Juliet Mbonu, Producer of Break Out, who is she and how did she find herself in the movie industry?
Juliet Mbonu: Great question, I actually started out as a computer major in college, I then veered out into the Health Sciences & Nursing Informatics, ultimately getting a doctorate in Nursing Practice. I was consulting in the area of Healthcare Informatics before diverting my passion and zeal to Movie Productions. I have a great passion for women and children’s issues. I also run “Arise” a non-profit that focuses on women and girls issues.
What is your take on the African Movie Industry as it stands today?
Juliet: Africa has unbelievable talent in the Arts. The quality is gradually catching up with universal standards. Those of us who have recent roots in Africa, and are out here in the West, have a duty to move the industry to a world-class level
What next for you after Break Out, any other projects movie related or otherwise that Juliet Mbonu will be working on?
Juliet Mbonu: Absolutely, my Talk-Show, “Let’s Talk It Out with Juliet Mbonu” will debut in first quarter of 2018. Our Production Company (RFP) is also developing other relevant stories for a world-wide audience.
We end with more information on the movie premiere, venue, cost, and any special guests that people may run into, what will the premiere of Break Out reserve for its audience?
Juliet Mbonu: The DC area (DMV) Premiere, coming up on November 17th, 2017 at 7pm, will be at the full-size Theater “Bowie Performance Arts Center” just outside DC. The program starts at 7pm, a robust pre-show entertainment, featuring popular artists, and various entertainments. A guest list of dignitaries and the public are expected.
Tickets for the premiere of Break Out are available at the following link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/breakout-movie-premiere-tickets-38464495341?aff=es2#tickets
