The Wrong Light

THE WRONG LIGHT begins as a positive spotlight on Mickey Choothesa and his nonprofit, the Children's Organization of Southeast Asia (COSA), which aims to rescue young females from the deplorable sex trade in Thailand. He tells the filmmakers about his start as a war photographer, capturing images in the heat of battle. The horrors of war were less jarring to him than the fate of trafficked girls, he explains. Dubbed "Uncle Mickey" by the kids at COSA, Choothesa is heavily involved in their lives, providing education and shelter to those he deems at-risk. On paper, this seems like a slam dunk for an inspiring film about a man making a difference. But, as interviews with the girls and their families unfold, an unfortunate truth begins to emerge: Mickey isn't who he seems. It becomes clear his intentions are far from pure, his mission less noble than previously presented. Ironically, his program is exploitative - the very thing he claims to fight against. This shocking documentary uncovers a wolf in sheep's clothing, whose selfish actions are undermining the effort to end human trafficking. (Cleveland International Film Festival)