The Long Rescue begins where most trafficking stories end: after the rescue. Focusing on teenage survivors in Cebu, Philippines, the film follows the girls for nine years in a film that focuses on recovery rather than trauma, survivors rather than rescuers, contextualising societal structures that perpetuate their ongoing struggles with poverty, violence and shame. The film opens with the girls full of laughter and song, eagerly working toward a brighter future. Hope, Sara, and Ashley weave dreams of careers and romance in their hidden shelter. But as they return to the communities that failed them, vulnerabilities resurface. Sara condemns her own sexual identity; Ashley flees college; Hope returns to sex work. Through heartbreaking, humorous, and poignant scenes, the film lays bare the unpredictable journey of recovery.

If you know more than four women, you know someone who has been sexually assaulted. Yet the shame and stigma of sexual violence usually lands on its victims. By sharing their stories, our participants are saying to the world that the darkness they experienced is not their fault, and they can hold up their heads, fight injustice, and create solidarity and community with others like them. We believe this film will alleviate survivor stigma and spark prevention programs, funding and greater care for victims, support for violence prevention and building resilient communities. Beyond that, we hope this film is part of an urgently needed global attitude shift that no longer tolerates rape culture, forced marriage, and trade in girls and women.