ILLUMINATE hosts the red carpet Arizona Premiere of SOLD as a fundraiser for iRest (Integrative Restoration Institute’s Human Trafficking Relief Program) to demonstrate how film can create conscious solutions for social issues.

This film, in conjunction with the work of iRest, will legitimize the practice of Yoga Nidra for healing trauma in survivors of sex trafficking. This evening event will be cathartic, releasing and profoundly healing, leaving you with nothing short of wow!

Based on the bestselling novel by Patricia McCormick and executive produced by Emma Thompson, SOLD is an award-winning drama that tells the story of a young Nepali girl’s struggle after being sold into prostitution and how her faith, Bhakti practice and memories of her mother give her the courage to fight against all odds. Directed by Oscar-winner Jeffrey D. Brown and featuring Gillian Anderson (The X-Files, The Fall) and David Arquette (Conception, Scream), SOLD offers a riveting script and gripping performances that powerfully capture the resilience of the human spirit. [Audience Award winner, Sonoma Film Festival]

Ecstatic Kirtan
This joyous Bhakti Benefit Kirtan Concert, led by Off the Mat Into the World co-founder Suzanne Sterling, is guaranteed to get you on your feet singing and dancing with the intention of bringing healing to survivors of sex trafficking. Proceeds will fund programs in Nepal and India in which survivors of the sex trade will be trained as iRest Yoga Nidra instructors. These new instructors will teach Yoga Nidra to trafficking victims in safe houses and orphanages. Funding will also begin to support clinical research in association with Harvard University to measure the effects of iRest Yoga Nidra on PTSD in human trafficking survivors so this work can scale globally.
For more information, visit irest.us.

Suzanne Sterling has been a featured musician/artist at Wanderlust, Omega, Esalen, Kripalu, Yoga Journal conference, Hanuman, Burning Man and Bhakti Fest.

Says partner Seane Corn, “A musical priestess, Suzanne brilliantly weaves lyric, melody and rhythm into a magical spell that entrances us to discover the sacred song within our own heart.”
Suzanne Sterling will perform live with percussionist
Three Trees and guitarist Natesh.

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