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"A powerful film destined to create change. Amy's testimony is one that will capture your heart and inspire hope where ever you are in your own walk of life. A film that tells the personal story of one, and bravely stands for many."

- Chain NYC Film Festival 

THE ZEN SPEAKER: BREAKING THE SILENCE is the story of Amy Ayoub, a prominent Nevada businesswoman who found the courage to overcome her shame about the trauma she’d kept hidden for thirty-eight years. A personal portrait, the film explores the emotional and physical devastation associated with sex trafficking; being a survivor; public vs private personas; and finding one’s voice in unexpected ways.

 

As a prominent public speaking coach and former political fundraiser, Amy was burdened with a terrible secret: as a vulnerable seventeen year old, she had been lured into a life of violence and exploitation. When she finally managed to reclaim her independence, she built a new—and very public—life. She became a pillar of the Las Vegas community. She had political clout and powerful friends and allies. But despite her success, she still struggled mightily with her guilt and shame over being trafficked decades before. She believed it had somehow been her fault. And she was terrified of being exposed.

 

Then in 2012, she learned about a bill slated to come before the state legislature: Nevada Assembly Bill 67. AB-67 would establish sex trafficking of children and adults as a crime, give victims the right to sue their traffickers, and impose harsher penalties on the traffickers.

 

Amy knew it was time for her to tell her story, whatever the consequences for her personal and professional life.

 

THE ZEN SPEAKER: BREAKING THE SILENCE charts Amy’s transformational journey from a tumultuous childhood in Las Vegas to her emotionally wrenching testimony in 2013 before the Nevada State Legislature.

 

With raw candor—and sometimes, wry humor—Amy reckons with her past, and the legacy of shame, trauma, secrecy, and loss. Along the way, we meet the people whose lives Amy has touched: her family members; her friends; business, political and legislative associates; and fellow trafficking survivors who have found a devoted mentor and advocate.

 

A remarkable woman, Amy risked everything to speak out publicly and in the process, set herself free.

Download the Digital One-Sheet

View the Documentary

NOW AVAILABLE through Amazon Prime. Stream The Zen Speaker: Breaking the Silence now through Amazon Prime Video.

Upcoming Screenings

MORE SCREENING and FESTIVAL VIEWING OPPORTUNITIES COMING SOON!

Previous Screenings

Wednesday, March 19, 2020 - 7 p.m.

      Park City Film ~ Jim Santy Auditorium

Monday, April 29, 2019

      The Las Vegas Film Festival


Wednesday, May 15, 2019

      Student Union Theater ~ University of Nevada - Las Vegas

Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at Clark County Main Theater ~ Clark County Library

       Hosted by St. Jude's Ranch for Children

Thursday, August 15, 2019

      Nevada Museum of Art
 

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

       Chain NYC Film Festival - 
       Named Best of the Fest

September 3-7, 2019

      DOCUTAH

      St. George, UT

September 21, 2019 - 7:00 p.m.

      Topaz Film Festival

      Dallas, TX

Wednesday, September 25, 2019 - 5:00 p.m.

     Transforming Lives: Survivors of Human Trafficking Speak Out

     Hosted by U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen and U.S Senator Catherine Cortez Masto

     Sponsored by McCarran International Airport, Reno-Tahoe International Airport, McCain Institute 
     American Hotel and Lodging Association, Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International,

     Nevada Resort Association, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

     U.S. Capitol Visitors Center - Orientation Theater South (CVC 241)

Monday, October 7, 2019 - 7:00 p.m.

     Awareness Film Festival

     Los Angeles, CA 90015

Friday, October 25, 2019 - 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 26, 2019 - 1:00 p.m.

     Friday Harbor Film Festival

     Friday Harbor, WA 98250

     WINNER: Audience Award: Things to Consider

Thursday, February 6, 2020 - 7 p.m.

      Greater Goods

      Ojai, California

Awards and Honors

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Watch the Trailer

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