In 2019 THE WHY surveyed its online presence and introduced activities to engage with new online audiences. The focus shifted to creating captivating human stories that can engage audiences on human rights issues, which distinguishes THE WHY as a non-profit, film production organisation. 

Looking beyond the aggregate numbers, we are proud that the available films often capture audiences in the countries where they take place. THE WHY's YouTube channel allows the films to be immediately available for millions of people. Raising awareness about the SDGs and human rights violations, they potentially generate impact in the communities they affect the most.

Case: Secret Slaves of The Middle East

The film Secret Slaves of The Middle East is a great example of local engagement. Throughout 2019, it captured over half a million views in the Philippines, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia collectively. The film follows Mary, a Filipino maid who left her home country and family to work in Lebanon. There, she discovers the reality of a country where no labour laws protect foreign domestic workers. The ‘Kafala’ system renders it impossible for workers to return home or change their employers.

Viewing numbers in these areas are extraordinary, considering that these areas are highly affected by the exploitation of domestic workers. The topic is rarely discussed in local public media, making this kind of film almost unavailable for local citizens. THE WHY online offers an invaluable opportunity for people to access fact-based content otherwise unavailable due to governmental restrictions, raising awareness about human rights in the countries where it is most needed.

Viewership

The documentary has been watched in 115 countries, but the ones highlighted below are within some of the places most affected by exploitation of domestic workers worldwide - an issue that Secret Slaves unveils.

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- Want to know more examples of great films that are bringing human rights to the discussion? Go to THE WHY's YouTube channel and watch more than 80 films for free.

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