Gridshock Documentary Tour: A Film about Sex Trafficking in Iowa
After a very successful premier on April 2nd at the Des Moines Civic Center, Gridshock will be shown in six more Iowa cities on the following dates (see below). All events are open to the public.
Gridshock is a documentary exposing the hidden and disturbing reality behind sex trafficking in Iowa and the often-overlooked reality about why the industry thrives – because there is a demand for it. Vanessa McNeal’s film features survivors of sex trafficking, local and federal law enforcement, advocates, politicians, and a recovering sex addict. What you think you know about sex trafficking will be challenged.
This is the fourth, and most recent film by filmmaker Vanessa McNeal. Donations of $45,000 funded this 55 minute film. Vanessa recently received the 2019 Outstanding Human Trafficking Service Award from the Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery. The award was presented by Governor Kim Reynolds on January 17th on behalf of the Iowa NAHT.
Vanessa McNeal – produced “Gridshock,” a documentary on sex trafficking
At the April 8th Ames event, a discussion and Q&A with filmmaker Vanessa McNeal will immediately follow the screening. Vanessa will be joined by Steffani Simbric, Human Trafficking Instructor for the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy; Karen Gale, FBI victim specialist; and a staff member from the YSS Teens Against Human Trafficking.
The Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery and the ISU Student Network Against Human Trafficking are among the co-sponsors of the event at Iowa State, and will have anti-trafficking information available on site.
Nine Iowa traffickers sentenced to prison
Since January 1st, 2019, nine traffickers in Iowa were sentenced to prison.
