Description:

Modern slavery is a hidden crisis in New Zealand, where thousands of migrant workers are trapped in cycles of underpayment, overwork, and manipulation. Many come with dreams of a better future, only to find themselves stripped of their freedom, their documents, and their dignity. Despite an estimated 8,000 victims, there have only been three convictions.
Our goal was to shine a light on these unseen struggles by offering a raw glimpse into the real stories of those who have lived through it, making the human cost of modern slavery impossible to ignore.

The video campaign was created to drive this mission forward. It sought to inform, confront, and stir action among migrants already living in New Zealand, encouraging them to become allies, advocates, and whistleblowers for others who are still trapped. Rather than depicting events literally, we transformed key quotes into metaphorical visual scenes: a meal tray sliding through a cell door, tally marks scratched into a wall, and a looming hand symbolising the unseen recruiter. These symbolic moments created an emotional journey that evolved from hope to entrapment and ultimately toward freedom. This approach enabled us to steer clear of graphic or triggering imagery while still striking a deep emotional chord. By making the invisible visible, we aimed to bring hidden realities into the light, allowing the audience not only to see but also to feel the heavy, often unseen cost of exploitation.

The motion piece was created using 2D animation techniques: frame-by-frame character animation and vector-based environments. This approach allowed us to blend expressive, human motion with structured, symbolic settings. Each scene was carefully crafted to evoke emotion through the interplay of light, shadow, and metaphor. The recruiter is never fully shown, only represented by a faceless, grasping hand that symbolises control, fear, and systemic exploitation. In contrast, the protagonist is designed without a mouth, a visual metaphor for being silenced and powerless. The character is rendered in black when trapped and white when free, with no defined race or background, emphasising that exploitation can affect anyone, regardless of identity.

To enhance the narrative, we used existing audio from interviews, stitching them together to form a cohesive story. This allowed the voices of real individuals to guide the emotional arc of the piece, adding authenticity and depth. The sound design further supported the emotional pacing, with carefully chosen foley and ambient textures that enhanced each moment.
This motion piece sits at the heart of a broader campaign designed to raise awareness and encourage allyship—particularly among successful migrants in New Zealand who are in a position to support others. Drawing on the advice of advocate Gary Shaw, the campaign challenges viewers not only to recognise injustice but also to become part of the solution.

By bringing visibility to what is often ignored, this work gives voice to those silenced by systems of exploitation and invites the broader community to stand in solidarity with them.