Malibu, Seven Days, Santa Monica, Film

New Venue For Human Trafficking Benefit Saturday

Courtesy Photo

Dr. Marie Paquim stars in “Land of the Free, Except for Me,” which is based on her own experience of slavery and captivity after moving from Europe to Los Angeles.

Posted Feb. 12, 2013, 9:37 am

Mirror Staff

AACTEV8 International and United Methodist Church in Venice will this Saturday host Marie Paquim and two other human trafficking survivors speakers at a special benefit for reality-based film project, “Land of the Free, Except for Me.” The benefit was previously scheduled to take place in Malibu.

The evening, which starts at 6 pm, will include a silent auction of fine art, magic from "The Wacko Show," music, and catered organic meal by Large Marge Sustainables.

The church is located at 1020 Victoria Ave., Venice, CA 90291.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door ($5 for students). RSVP: 323.496.5223, 818.561.9577 or lovefreedom.eventbrite.com.

The benefit, “Love Freedom” is open to the public, and will feature Paquim, a former child star in Europe, who is now embarking on a special film project, “Land of the Free, Except for Me,” largely based on her own experience as a victim of human trafficking in Los Angeles. 

Also speaking will be two other survivors, Petra Hensley and Chong Kim, along with producer/writer and former United Nations worker Erin Grover, who will talk about her work following the sex trafficking trade in Cambodia. 

The benefit will offer a serious talk on the growing menace of slavery in the U.S. and around the world, and also serve as a celebration of the empowerment of women. 

Paquim along with the other speakers are being scheduled to meet with President Obama, so attendees are invited to interact with the speakers to offer their solutions. 

"This is a unique event where people's voices will definitely be heard," Paquim said.