Sound of Torture

This heartbreaking documentary from filmmaker Keren Shayo follows the efforts of Swedish-Eritrean journalist and activist Meron Estefanos to bring international attention to the horrific treatment of Eritrean refugees in Egypt's Sinai Desert. Thousands have fled Eritrea's brutal military dictatorship only to be kidnapped by Bedouin traffickers. Imprisoned in camps where they are burned, raped, and beaten, the victims—including women and children—are given cell phones to call home so they can plead for impossibly high ransoms. Estefanos, whose phone number is passed around the encampments, broadcasts the calls weekly on her Stockholm radio program and works with destitute Eritrean families who are attempting to raise the exorbitant sums. Sound of Torture focuses on two victims: Hariti, initially kidnapped while pregnant, who tells her husband about her victimization as their baby son is heard crying; and 20-year-old Timnit, whose release fee was paid by her boyfriend and brother, although she disappeared after her supposed liberation. Estefanos travels to Tel Aviv to meet survivors, while also listening to relatives who debate whether to continue paying the demanded sums. If no one pays, will the kidnappings stop? And who will be first to refuse? Estefanos also ventures deep into Sinai, looking for torture camps and searching for Timnit. Israel closed its borders to Eritrean refugees in 2013, but tens of thousands continue to seek asylum in Ethiopia, Europe, Sudan, and elsewhere. A harrowing look at a little-known human rights tragedy, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg)