Desert Riders

Camel racing has a long history in the Middle East, although traditionally it occurred during holiday celebrations and special events. But as the Persian Gulf emirates began to enjoy a greater degree of wealth, this sport evolved into a high-stakes endeavor, with young lightweight boys chosen to be jockeys. As Vic Sarin's disturbing documentary shows, however, camel jockeys are recruited at a brutal price since these boys (as young as three) were either trafficked or sold by their parents in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sudan, and Mauritania. Often physically abused and/or sexually assaulted by the camel racing trainers, many kids were severely injured or killed during the dangerous races. Anti-slavery advocates stumbled upon this situation almost by accident. In Dubai—the epicenter for this disgusting practice—the embassies of the nations where the boys came from refused to become involved, fearing that their protests would disrupt lucrative business dealings with the emirate's government. However, news reports and an HBO documentary focusing on the subject created a political embarrassment for the media-savvy Dubai leadership, resulting in the boys being taken from near-imprisonment in camel racing farms for expatriation back to their countries. Sarin interviews a large number of former jockeys (as well as their now-remorseful parents) in this meticulously researched and emotionally devastating exposé of child abuse in one of the richest corners of the world. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)