Event

Desert Riders

Desert Riders
Directed by: Vic Sarin / Canada, United Arab Emirates, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh / English / 2011 / Documentary, Human Rights, Culture / 80 min.

Camel racing, often called the Sport of the Kings is one of
the most popular sports in the Middle East, particularly in
the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Thousands of boys, some as young as two years old have been trafficked or sold by their parents from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Mauritania and Sudan to work as camel jockeys. Often sexually and physically abused; these young children lived in horrendous conditions; worked very long hours even when clearly under-age; were deliberately starved to prevent weight gain and are now mentally and physically stunted from all these sufferings.

Desert Riders presents the voices of these repatriated children accompanied by heartrending images and stunning photography. The film graphically illustrates the situation these children face from the trauma of abuse, and the emotional scars that persist.

Official Selection: International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, Vancouver International Film Festival

Tickets $6.17 in advance/$10.00 at the door