The Whistleblower

Docudrama | English | 112 minutes

Info

Kathryn Bolkovac, an American police officer, takes a job with Democra Security, a private contractor for the United Nations International Police in post-war Bosnia. After successfully advocating a domestic abuse case of a Muslim woman, Kathryn is appointed to head the Department of Gender Affairs. She soon uncovers a widespread sexual slavery ring operating in a women’s shelter  by international personnel (including Americans).  Raya and Irka, two young women forced into prostitution, manage two escape. Kathryn persuades Raya and Irka to testify against their traffickers in court. Raya is recaptured by the traffickers after a corrupt peacekeeper tips them off. Irka is too afraid to proceed with the trial. Kathryn tries to bring the matter to the UN but finds them to be indifferent. She does find two allies: Madeleine Rees, head of the Human Rights Commission and Peter Ward, an internal affairs specialist. Kathryn is subsequently fired by Democra Security. Undaunted, Kathryn brings the scandal to the attention of BBC News. As a result, a  number of the peacekeepers were sent home, but not one was prosecuted. The U.S. continues to do business with private contractors like Democra Security in Bosnia. 

Cast
Rachel Weisz (Kathryn Bolkovac) / Vanessa Redgrave (Madeleine Rees) / David Strathairn (Peter Ward) / Roxana Condurache (Raya) / Rayisa Kondracki (Irka)
Why Stream This Film?
Here’s the outrage: none of the miscreant peacekeepers were indicted or brought to justice. Major participants of the crimes protected themselves with diplomatic immunity. The private contractors hired by the UN to police the situation cared more about protecting their business interests than protecting the victims. The film is a tragic eye-opener.
  • Rotten Tomatoes Score (Critics Consensus): 75%
  • Metacritic Score: 59
Accolades
  • Seattle International Film Festival: Winner, Best Director (Larysa Kondracki)
  • Whistler Film Festival: Winner, Best Film;  Audience Award
  • Palm Springs International Film Festival: Winner, Best Narrative Film
These cases rarely seem to result in change and the stories continue. We can only guess what may be going unreported. THE WHISTLEBLOWER offers chilling evidence of why that seems to be so.
Roger Ebert

RogerEbert.com

THE WHISTLEBLOWER reveals a truth more chilling than fiction. Rachel Weisz delivers a powerhouse performance. To your short list of  must-see movies, quickly add THE WHISTLEBLOWER.
Rex Reed

The Observer

It’s a thriller sobering enough in its graphic portrayal of forced violence against women that it would be tough to watch if not for the controlled fury Weisz brings to her performance as a down-to-earth avenging angel.
Bob Mondello

NPR

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