When you think ‘black market organ trade’ you think of someone waking up in an ice-filled bathtub missing a kidney – a la Elmore Leonard’s novel Raylan – or worse. That’s not always the case in real life, where donating a kidney can be done to raise cash for a new start, or to help a family out of poverty. As often as not, the scenario for black market organ work is not what you’re expecting.
HBO Documentary Films’ Tales from the Organ Trade (Monday, November 4, 9/8C) explores all sides of the black market organ trade – including the legal, moral and ethical issues involved . Follow the jump to check out the trailer.
ABOUT TALES FROM THE ORGAN TRADE
This 83-minute documentary explores the legal, moral and ethical issues involved in the complex life-and-death drama or organ trafficking. More than a simple black-and-white story of exploitation, TALES FROM THE ORGAN TRADE is a nuanced and complex film that challenges moral and ethical beliefs. It delves into a world where “villains” often save lives and the medical establishment, helpless to its own rules and bureaucracy, too often watches people die. In the best scenario, victims walk away content and safe, and buyers of organs (the recipients) return home with a new lease on life. From Manila to Istanbul, Colorado to Kosovo, Toronto to Tel Aviv, this film spotlights a compelling cast whom fate has brought together, where the gift of life meets the shadow of death.
Directed by Ric Esther Bienstock (Emmy winner for "Frontline: Sex Slaves"), narrated by David Cronenberg, and produced by Ric Esther Bienstock, Felix Golubev and Simcha Jacobovici, TALES FROM THE ORGAN TRADE debuts MONDAY, Nov. 4 (9:00 p.m. ET/PT).
Photo courtesy of HBO