Taking many forms, happening in different contexts, and targeting vulnerable people, millions of individuals fall victim to the illegal practice of human trafficking. Despite the increased efforts and resources, governments, NGOs, and other international organizations dedicated to combating this phenomenon, its complexity and dynamism make the crime difficult to spot, remaining a persistent problem around the globe.
Truth is, human trafficking is hiding in plain sight — traffickers are not always strangers. They can disguise themselves as a boyfriend, a boss, a friend, or a relative, overwhelming their victims with love, affection, or care, manipulating them into unknowingly complying with their exploitation.
With a commitment to fight the illegal practice and in a global context in which trafficking cases reach an all-time high, nonprofit organization The Exodus Road has launched a dual-screen film, specially designed to help educate people on how to spot the signs.
“Love Captured,” made with the help of Klick Health, is a five-minute-long video that allows viewers to recognize the subtle signs of human trafficking by making them feel like they are part of the experience. Designed to be viewed on two screens, the video showcases a love story that a young couple shares. However, the second screen, which acts as a secret camera, reveals the often-unseen signs of human trafficking.
According to Laura Parker, CEO and Co-founder of The Exodus Road, love and trafficking walk hand in hand. Half of the victims are trafficked by their own families, whereas 40% are exploited by their intimate partner, as per IOM’s Counter-Trafficking Data Collaborative. In other cases, individuals fall victim to human trafficking lured by promises of employment abroad. In fact, The Exodus Road concluded that deceptive job offers were the most common recruitment method within its cases in the years of 2023 and 2024, with social media ranking second.
“Contrary to popular misconceptions, sex trafficking rarely begins with kidnapping by a stranger, but with some form of love story,” Parker explained. “Many perpetrators groom their victims by using love — romantic love, friendship, or familial love — to manipulate them into cooperating in their own exploitation. ‘Love Captured’ helps to shine a spotlight on the warning signs, so more people can play a part in the fight against human trafficking — and perhaps even realize if it may be happening to them.”
“With ‘Love Captured,’ we wanted to empower viewers to uncover the truth themselves and make them feel like they were part of this journey,” continued Amy Fortunato, Vice President and Group Creative Director at Klick Health. “Experiencing something, rather than passive viewing, leaves a lasting imprint. By providing an inside look at human trafficking tactics through hidden-camera footage, our goal is to expose something that is usually so covert and manipulative.”
“As a global healthcare agency, saving lives is paramount for us,” concluded Andrea Bistany, VP and Group Creative Director at Klick Health. “Trafficking doesn’t always look like it’s portrayed in Hollywood. This project was inspired by a survivor’s insight — where so many don’t realize they’re being trafficked. By showing it from dual perspectives, we hope to help others recognize red flags and inspire action to support The Exodus Road’s mission.”
Directed and produced by Thatiane Almeida at MAGMA, with award-winning audio house Jamute on sound design, the experience can be enabled at LoveCapturedExperiment.com. Viewers will need a computer or a tablet to see the lovely side of the story, while a mobile phone enables them to follow the hidden signs of human trafficking. The dark side of the narrative can be unlocked upon scanning the QR code available on the website.
CREDITS
Brand: The Exodus Road
Agency: Klick Health
