Benjamin Nolot is an American filmmaker, activist, and the founder and president of Exodus Cry, an international anti-human trafficking organization. He is primarily known for his work in raising awareness about modern-day slavery and commercial sexual exploitation through documentary films and advocacy campaigns.
Early Life and Founding of Exodus Cry Nolot's work in anti-trafficking began with a deep concern for victims of sexual exploitation. In 2008, he founded Exodus Cry as a faith-based non-profit organization dedicated to combating human trafficking, particularly sex trafficking, and advocating for the abolition of commercial sexual exploitation globally. The organization's mission encompasses prayer, awareness, prevention, intervention, and aftercare initiatives.
Filmmaking Career Nolot has directed and produced several documentary films that have brought significant attention to the issue of human trafficking:
- Nefarious: Merchant of Souls (2011): This documentary explores the global sex trafficking industry, featuring interviews with traffickers, victims, government officials, and abolitionists from various countries. The film aims to expose the harsh realities and systematic nature of commercial sexual exploitation. Nefarious gained international recognition and has been widely used by anti-trafficking organizations, law enforcement, and educational institutions to raise awareness.
- The Abolitionists (2016): Co-directed by Nolot, this documentary follows former CIA operative Tim Ballard and the organization Operation Underground Railroad (OUR) as they conduct covert rescue missions to save children from sex trafficking in various parts of the world. The film highlights the challenges and dangers involved in direct intervention efforts.
Advocacy and Impact Through Exodus Cry and his films, Nolot has become a prominent voice in the modern abolitionist movement. His work advocates for a "Nordic Model" approach, which criminalizes the purchase of sex while decriminalizing those who are prostituted, aiming to reduce demand for commercial sex and protect victims. Exodus Cry engages in global advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and supports initiatives for prevention and survivor care. Nolot's documentaries have been instrumental in educating broad audiences about the scale and brutality of human trafficking, inspiring many to get involved in anti-trafficking efforts.