"Valeria Da Silva," "Brazilian, 25 years old." "I came here 3 years ago as a waitress." "My stage name is Vanessa." "Ekatarina Volkova." "My stripper name is Cristal. 22." "I was a ballet dancer with the Kirov in St Petersburg." "Rachel Voisy." "My stripper name is Sammy." "Haitian, 18." "I came here as a maid." "Svetlana Makarova." "Stage name, Bliss." "14." "A modeling agency brought me over." "Antonia Velasquez." "My stripper name is Maya." "I'm Colombian, 17." "I came here to work as a nanny." "Laura Fuentes." "My stripper name is Amanda." "Mexican. 20." "I came here as a housekeeper." "Oksana Trepilak, 20." "Ukrainian." "I was recruited after my ballet studies 3 years ago" "Priscilla Parades." "I don't have a stripper name." "Brazilian, 22." "I came 4 years ago on a student visa." "WAITRESSES WANTED" "We came to Canada full of hope with the same dream:" "find a good job, make a better life, help the families we'd left behind." "Most of the girls answered ads on the Net:" "Babysitters, housekeepers, or waitresses wanted." "Priscilla, how's it going?" "Alright." "It's freezing outside!" " Like a coffee?" " Love one." "I came on a scholarship." "Strangely, we all wound up at the same place after our visas expired." " How's school?" " Just finished." "Cool!" "But they won't renew my visa." "What'll you do?" "I dunno." "I'm up shit creek." " No visa, no job." " Be careful." "Remember Lucia?" "They deported her." "Camilla too?" "No, she's working for a family, cleaning and babysitting." "Can I work here?" "No, sweetie." "Things are slow in winter." "I'll see what I can do." "Hi, doll." "I have someone who needs work." "Can you speak to Pavlo for me?" "Thanks, my love." "Priscilla?" "Here." "Tomorrow night at 8." " Ok?" " Thanks, Manu!" "Manu was always ready to help." "He understood us." "He'd also known the cold, the days of waiting without papers." "And the fear of being deported." "Hi, love." "I've been trying to reach you for a week." "We received your diploma." "We're so proud!" "Samantha is in love." "He's older than her, but very handsome." "Papa's had lots of interviews for a job." "I'm sure it's going to work." "Grandma's feeling better." "She can stand now." "Pedro says hi." "Take care, sweetie." "May God be with you." "All my love." "Mom!" "NUDE DANCERS" "Here she comes." "Ciao." "Look, Manuel." "I think there's been a misunderstanding." "You need a job, yes or no?" "Yes, but not this." "Not this!" "What do you think?" "The consulate is going to hire you as a translator?" "You have no papers, no money, no family." "You shouldn't tum down this chance." "Some chance." "Look, you don't have to start tonight." "We'll just go in and have a drink." "Come on." "Just one drink, Manu." "Of course." "Absolutely." "She was so beautiful." "I had experience as a waitress." "That I could do." "Champagne." "But this..." "Give it up, gents, for Cristal, with her last dance for the night." "Don't forget, tonight we have contact dances until 3 a.m." "And now..." "Her charm is irresistible." "Here she is, ladies and gents, in the first part of her show, Milagro!" "That girl is my miracle." "It was strange to see all these girls, these foreigners, each one with their pimp." "Is that what you want?" "You can make even more money." "Come on." "I told you she was a real star." "You know, she'd never been on stage before she met me." "I can't see myself doing that." "Over here, baby." "Milagro, remember Priscilla?" "She worked at the café last summer." "She's my little Brazilian student." "Manu says you're looking forwork." "What do you think?" "Let's go in, it's freezing out here." "Already?" "Let's go." "Fucking country!" " Pavlo, this is Priscilla." " A pleasure." " Manu's friend." " I'm the owner." "Welcome." " A drink?" " Sure!" "Here." "In Greece we say yamas, to your health." " And in Brazil you say?" " Saude!" "I hear you're looking forwork." "Yeah, but I couldn't do this." "Don't worry, you can leam." "Drop by and see me." "We can work something out." "You're beautiful." "You're real beautiful, Priscilla." "Why the name Milagro?" "Because my heart is Colombian." "Colombia, my country!" "But I really want to go to Brazil." "Amanda?" "Come here, doll." "A new friend." " Priscilla." " Hi." "Amanda's one of our oldest." "It's been, what, 3 years?" "Exactly." "All thanks to you." "Beauty!" "That's Candy, a Jamaican." "She just started." "And the show continues... with Candy!" "Who's the big guy?" "They're Yegor's men, Russians." "Don't worry, you're not his type." "Yegor is only interested in ballerinas." "Ok, time to work." "Get going." "And now, gents, a big round of applause for Candy." "Call me on my cell." "Anytime." "How much to Park Ex?" "About $10." " Take care of her." " No worries." "Mom, you can't keep calling all the time." "It's expensive." "I told you to use the Intemet." "I know it's reassuring to hear my voice." "I'm glad to hear yours too." "Ask Samantha to help you." "She's good with computers." "Yes I'm eating well." "I'm fine." "You know me, I'm strong, like Papa." "Shall I send a picture?" "I promise." "Put Papa on for a minute." "A big hug." "I love you too." "Hi Papa." "I miss you too." "It's freezing here, you can't imagine!" "I'm not coming back to Brazil now." "Don't worry." "I know how tough things are there." "Remember my friend Manuel?" "I told you about him." "He found me a good job." "Don't worry, everything's fine." "I'll manage." "Ok, Papa." "Give everyone a kiss for me." "Want to come in?" "No thanks." " For you it's free." " I said No." "And now, with the most sizzling part of her show, here's Milagro!" "Seduction is her passion." "Remember, she's available for you in one of our VIProoms." "Now I understand what Manuel meant." "It's true." "Milagro was like a miracle." "Yes, Manu?" "Yes." "Yeah, me too." "I'll call after our show tomorrow." "Yes." "I promise, my love." " Here, this'll help." " I can't." "You don't need that." "We have to go on." "Already?" "To your debut!" "Let's go." "Here." "C'mon, wake up!" "It's two!" "Shit, Milagro." "Can't you make less noise?" "C'mon, move it." "Someone's coming." "Here." "Going to Brazil's expensive." "I'd love to get out of here." "You shouldn't do this." "I do what I want." "Why should I pass up a $500 trick?" "Manuel had convinced Milagro to coach me." "She was his recruiter." "Latino girls who, like me, were desperate to work." "I followed her to Toronto almost on a whim." "I'd been told that the Elixir Club dancers often went on tour." "No, I'm not making fun of you." "You know how Mom is, she can't keep a secret." "Yes, she told me everything, Samantha." "Me?" "I met someone too." "Not long." "I'll tell you about it later." "I can hardly hear you." "Yeah, everything's fine here." "It's a great city for business." "I have to find a way to bring you here." "Stop worrying, Mom." "I found a good job." "Yes, it's a really great job." "I'm translating for the Brazilian consulate." "Yes, Mom." "A big, flashy office downtown." "The boss?" "He's very nice." "He likes my work." "I got my first pay check." "Is everything ok at home?" "What about Grandma?" "I'm so glad, Mom." "Give everybody a kiss for me." "Next time I'll call you." "That's fine, Mom." "I love you too." "A big kiss." "What's wrong?" "Why are you hiding?" " What's with you?" " Those are cops!" "You're funny." "Manuel told me you had guts." "We're completely safe." "It's routine." "I don't have papers." "They didn't renew my student visa." "Why are you so worked up?" "It's not a raid." "If it were, I'd know." "You'd know?" "How would you know?" "I would know." "I've been around, I have connections." "Yeah, well I don't." "You have me." "I'll get you papers." "All I need's a photo." "I know a guy who works miracles." " No." " Get on stage." " Go!" " There's already a girl." "So what?" "You can dance with her." "I'll get your papers." "Adios, my love." "Milagro?" "With Milagro" "I felt like I'd finally met someone I could count on, someone I could trust." "Until I got my papers to stay in Canada." "Then she vanished, without even leaving a note." "I missed Brazil." "The cold gnawed at me." "My bones ached." "Papa would hate seeing me like this." "Not that he wanted me coming back home either." "Ever since my older brother had been murdered for a few bucks." "Papa hated Brazil." "His only solace was prayer and his dream, for Samantha, Pedro and me, of a better life." "Where is she?" "I have to see her." "Milagro's not here." "I thought she was with you." "Milagro's a piece of work." " Stop." " She ditched me there!" "Watch it!" "You're not her only girl." "Priscilla!" "Let's give her a big hand, gents." "Priscilla is now available for you in one of our VIPlounges." "What are you doing here?" "I don't want to see you." "Get off me!" "Leave me alone!" " Come on." " What are you doing here?" "I didn't even invite you in." "I can take off my shoes myself." "Let me." "Why'd you do it?" "Why'd you leave me in Toronto?" "You're such a bitch, Milagro!" "You know I've got Immigration on my back." "I'll take my jeans off by myself." "Leave me alone." "Go away." "Don't touch my feet!" " You'll catch cold." " Go away!" "Why'd you leave me in a city I don't even know?" "I want you to go away!" " Feeling better?" " No." "Got a vase?" "I didn't leave forfun." "I had personal stuff." "I'm not just the club." "Awhole week to do personal stuff?" "A long time, isn't it?" "Is this an interrogation?" "I was worried." "You managed to call Manuel." "I went to see my daughter up north." "So now you have a daughter?" "And when do you work?" "She's with my mother." "You didn't answer me." "When do you work?" "I told Pavlo." "He found other girls." "They come there from all over." "I'm really sorry." "I'm sure." "You're unfair." "We can leave tomorrow if you want." "I'm ready." "You can show me Brazil." "Don't hold your breath." "I plan to make my life here." "Saude!" "By the way, thanks for the papers that cost me a small fortune." "I told you he worked miracles." "Brazil?" "There's no future there." "And you won't find work." "Just the sun and the sea." "That's a good start." "Now me, I'd love to go up north with you." "Are you crazy?" "You'd freeze there." "Snow everywhere." "And nothing to do." "You interested in that?" "I'm interested in you." "Not the landscape." "You move fast." "Plus there's Manu." "What about him?" "He's so ugly!" "Want another?" "Yes." "They're arriving from Santo Domingo." "Their papers are ready." "Three girls:" "Maria Sanchez," "Angela Pacheco," "Isabella Fuentes." "Manu will be at Dorval Airport at 8 tonight." "Ok, I gotta go." "I'm hanging up." " Hi." " What are you doing?" "My cell phone's dead." "And you can't hear in the bar." "Who was that?" "Manuel." "Why didn't you wait for me?" "You're always going off." "Where were you this afternoon?" "Now I've got you and Manu on my case?" "Where were you?" "Take it off my pay." "Lots of girls want to work." " I'm telling Manuel." " Go right ahead!" "Who gave you permission?" "You don't leave here without me!" "You want your freedom?" "You work for me!" "Stay away from the other girls!" "Yes?" "Alright." "Understand?" "Or I'll kill you." "Don't listen to them." "My ballerina wants out?" "Look," "I have some pictures to show you." "Mommy and Daddy think their little girl's in Kiev, dancing ballet." "But this is what she's been doing." "Look!" "Do you like them?" "So now, you're going to obey me." "Where the fuck were you?" "Come with me!" " Let go!" " You've been gone for days." "You don't answer my calls now?" "You know I need you." "The new girls arrive tonight." "Everything's ready." "Leave her alone!" "She just called you!" " Sit down and butt out!" " Calm down!" "Show me some respect." "I'm the boss here!" "Get off me." "Stop!" "Where were you?" "Tell me where you were." " Where were you?" " Get off!" "I moved in with Milagro until I got my visa." "My landlord was so pissed about the rent I owed him that he reported me to Immigration." "Hi Mom." "I know I haven't called, but I've been working so hard." "Don't worry, Mom." "Mom?" "I have good news!" "I moved." "I told you I was making a good salary!" "You ok?" "Well, answer me." "What's that?" "What happened, Milagro?" "I'm gonna kill that bastard!" "It must be the girls." "Candy called to say they'd drop by." "I can't see them." "I'll handle it." "I'll take a bath." " What's that, Amanda?" " A surprise!" "It's so pretty here." "Areal palace!" "Is Milagro here?" "She's just taking a bath." "It's getting serious between you two." "Would you go away with me?" "Never again." "I can't trust you." "I want to see my daughter." "You never told me where they live." "I did tell you." "At the North Pole." "It's freezing there." " You ok?" " We're coming, Amanda." " I can't go out." " Don't worry." "I'll fix you up, make you beautiful..." "I'd like you to meet my daughter." "Ok, I'll go with you." "But on one condition." "I drive the car and I keep the keys." "Hello?" "Manu, calm down." "I can't hear." "That bastard again?" "I don't believe it!" "You disfigured me." "I can't perform." "Hang up, Milagro." "No, there's nothing, my love." "Nothing, I swear." "Yes, Priscilla's with me." "Calm down." "I told you, hang up." "No." "You can't do that to me." "Stop!" "Stop the car!" " Milagro, take it easy." " Stop!" "Stop, Milagro." "You're crazy!" "Stop it!" " Stop!" " Why did you do that?" "You never understand." "I never understand?" "You never tell me anything!" "You don't know what this is about." "It's better that way." "Do you think I'm scared of Manu?" "Well you're wrong!" "You can't call me." "I lost my cell." "Yes, I lost my cell." "I'm going to my mother's." "No, I have to go now." "I need something at the store." "Thanks." "Good night." "Hi!" "I expected you earlier." "Aproblem with the car?" "I was worried with this weather." "Hungry?" "I'll fix you something." "Mom, meet Priscilla." " Hello." " Hello, madame." " Sorry we woke you." " That's alright." " My god, what's that?" " Nothing." " Show me." " It's nothing!" "It's almost gone." "It's late, go to bed." "We'll turn in too." "Good night, Priscilla." "Good night, madame." "Call me Johanne." "And make yourself at home." "I left blankets and a pillow for you on the couch." "Ariane, you can sleep with Chloé." "Don't wake her." "She stayed up late waiting." "Sure." "Good night." "What?" "Ariane?" "Is that your real name?" "Yeah, it's pretty random." "Mommy!" "I wanted to surprise you." "I made yourfavorite." "With whipped cream?" "Do you think I'd forget?" "Don't run off." "I have a surprise for you too." "Your ballet show?" "Grandma says you're great." "Here." "No, they're too big." "I'll get smaller ones." "This is my friend Priscilla." "Chloé, my daughter." " Hello Chloé." " Hello." "Don't let him get cold." "Let me take a picture of you." "Mom!" " Just for me." " I'll send it to my mother too." "She won't believe the snow." "Get ready." "Beautiful!" "Ok, come on." "Let's go in." "I'll make hot chocolate." "What's your country like?" "Mom says it's far away." "Your Mom's right." "Brazil is very far away." " Is there snow?" " No!" "In Rio it's very hot." "There's no snow, just lots of sand." "Beaches as far as you can see." "There's the ocean and mountains." " Is it pretty?" " Yes, magnificent." "And in the ocean there's a goddess named Yemanja." "And on New Year's Eve, people gather at Copacabana Beach." "Everyone dresses in white." "Look at the sun!" "And just before midnight, we give the goddess presents." "Flowers mostly, on little home-made boats." "With a little candle too and a photo of someone we wish to protect." "And then we walk to the shore and place our little boats in the surf as an offering, and make a wish." "We ask Yemanja to protect us for the coming year." "Some people even speak to the spirits." "When it's nearly midnight, we count down." "Three, two, one..." "And at the stroke of midnight, fireworks explode everywhere above the ocean." "We jump into the waves, like a white tide, to purify ourselves." "It's none of my business, but..." "I'm worried, it's normal." "You show up, not a word." "What's that bruise?" "I told you, it's nothing." "That's the problem with you..." "I'm there when you need me, but when it's time to answer my questions, you have nothing to say." " Everything's fine, Mom." " Oh yeah?" "Of course it is." "Everything's fine." "Which is why I raise your daughter." "I take her to school, drive her to ballet, help with homework, nurse herwhen she's sick." "There you go again." "You can't help yourself." "You have to throw it in my face." "I'm not blaming you, Ariane." "You had no choice." "But neither did I." "Course not." "You never have a choice." " Is she sleeping?" " Like an angel." "I'll just take a peek." "She was so talented." "She could have become a ballet dancer." "Or a singer - she has a lovely voice." "She won tons of prizes as a girl." " You sing?" " There's lots you don't know." "Why'd you stop?" "It's not too late." "You could try those TV contests..." "Mom, stop." "One day, maybe." "You never know." "Isn't Canada too cold for a Brazilian?" "It's alright." "At home it's too hot." " What brought you here?" " My studies." "My father says English opens doors." "And schools are better here." "Did you graduate?" "Yes, in translation." "I hope to work in my field one day." "But now you're in the same field as Ariane?" "Mom, enough questions." "What's wrong?" "I'm just curious." "Chilly?" "You're always cold." "Wait, I have just what we need." "Tequila!" "I'll get glasses." "Thanks." "Saude!" "Why don't you take her skating?" "I don't know how." "And I don't have skates." "You can borrow mine." "It's too cold." "Too cold?" "You sissy!" "I'll get my skates." " It's a good idea." " No way!" " Sure." " We'll freeze!" "Come on!" "I'll hold you." "How was skating?" "I'm not very good." "My pants are soaked." "I'll go change." "Aman called for you." "He said it's urgent, to call right back." "I'll take the phone in your room." "Now?" "You're leaving me no time to get ready." "Why do you want to meet there?" "Alright then." "Get your life in orderfirst, then take her." "That's no life for her." "Do what you have to do, then come get her." "There's plenty of time." "Is this a life for her?" "Is where you're going better?" "Kids are meant to sleep at night." "They need structure, to play with friends." "Where'll she go to school?" "Did you register her?" "Ever think she might miss me?" "We've been together a long time." "She'll miss me, like I'll miss her." "She's like my daughter too." "You've got it all wrong." "Chloé is my daughter, Mom." "Not yours." "Why not leave her here a bit longer?" "You're risking herwell-being." "You always think only of yourself." "I'm thinking of us." "I need a life with her." "You never understood." "Alife?" "What life?" "Having to hide when you talk on the phone?" "Showing up with a black eye and thinking nobody will notice?" "Some life!" "Some goddamn life!" "Aren't you a little hard on your mom?" "You can stay if you want." "I'm leaving." "Are you ok?" "Don't cry, Grandma." " We're only going to Montreal." " I know." "I know Montreal's not far." "Are you taking that?" "Remember your gloves." "Here." "This one." "Well, bye." " Glad to have met you." " Me too." " Thanks for everything." " Take care." "Here, sweetie." "Take this." "It'll bring you good luck." "Promise you'll write." "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." "You'll see." "Well I hope so." "I know it hasn't been easy with me." "I want you to know I love you." "I always will." "I know." "It's not yourfault." "Things didn't work out for me." "Now I want to be with Chloé." "Are we going?" " Did you forget anything?" " No." "Your dolly?" "I have everything." "See you." "Drive carefully." "Not too fast!" "Bye!" "You go ahead, I'll wait." "No, come in." "It's beautiful, you'll see." "Hi Mom." "I just met the mother of a friend." "We stayed at her place." "It was beautiful." "It's hard, being far away from you." "I know, I'd like to visit you too, but I can't." "I have to save up." "I love you too." "A big kiss." "We'll light two candles." "One for Grandma and one for us." "I can't believe it." "The guy's psycho." "He'll never leave us in peace." "Chloé?" "What's wrong?" "Did you have a bad dream?" "Do you miss Grandma?" "She misses you too." "We beat level three, we're at level four!" "I want the red one." "Get away, you bugger!" "Where were you?" "Chloé, get your coat." "We're going." "Where?" "I'll tell you later." "What's going on?" " We're not safe here." " Is it Manuel?" "He'll never let us go." "Pack your things." "Hurry." "Hurry?" "Why?" "I can't leave." "You can't stay." "You have to come." "I'm sick of your crap." "I work in an hour." "You have to come." "Tell me why." "I can't do that." "Why aren't you ready?" "C'mon, hurry." " I can't find my boots." " They're behind the door." "I'll help you." "Where are we going?" "On a trip." "To see Grandma?" "No, angel." "But she'll come join us." "Are you coming with us, Priscilla?" "No, hon." "I'm not coming." "I have to settle some things." "You're dreaming!" "Shut up!" "Shut up!" "Don't talk to me!" "Don't talk to me ever again!" "You can't stay at the club forever." "I'll leave when I'm ready." "I'm sorry I brought you here." "Come on, Chloé." "Go on, Chloé." "Your mom's waiting." "Ekatarina Volkova." "My stripper name is Cristal." "Russian, from St Petersburg." "22 years old." "I was a ballet dancer with the Kirov." "Rachel Voisy." "My stripper name is Sammy." "Haitian, 18." "I came here as a maid." "Laura Fuentes." "My stripper name is Amanda." "Mexican. 20." "I came here as a housekeeper." "Svetlana Makarova." "Stage name, Bliss." "Russian." "Age 14." "I came to Canada to work for a modeling agency." "Priscilla Parades." "No stripper name." "Brazilian, 22." "I came 4 years ago on a student visa." "I'm not a criminal!" "Most of the girls' families had reported them missing." "Several were physically ill." "Others suffered from something worse." "They'd left everything behind, children, parents and grandparents." "Do you like flowers?" "White roses are my favorite." "He brings me some every night after my show." "He says he's going to marry me." "When he took me away, he promised my parents he would." "I have to go, someone's waiting..." "Relax, we're not criminals!" "Take it easy." "No one called you criminals." "There are a lot of you." "It'll take a while." "We just want to check your ID." "Pavlo told me you arrived later than usual yesterday." "I'm always late." "Where were you?" " The gym." " The gym, Saturday night?" "Sure." "You have to be in good shape to do all those contortions." "And after?" "After, nothing." "I went to work like always." "Late." "You didn't see Milagro?" "No." "I'm sure you know she often disappears." "She has a daughter." "We can't find her." "Or her daughter." "Where are they?" "How should I know?" "Why are we here?" "The girls are too scared to talk." "Priscilla, I don't think you understand." "Manuel's finished." "Yegor's in the room next door." "It's overfor him." "We're organizing a little trip to the airport for all of you." "If you know anything, now's the time." "Or you'll be on that bus too." "You already know everything." "I want to find Milagro before Manuel does." "You think I know where she is?" "Why do you want her so badly?" "Milagro's out there all alone with her daughter." "Manuel got away from us too." "If you tell me where they are, maybe we can save them." "Think you can save us from someone like Manuel?" "Are you really that dumb?" "It's everyone for themselves." "Milagro knows that." "She figured it out." "Your Milagro figured it out so well, that she works for us." "I don't believe you!" "Liar!" "She used you." "She's been feeding us info for over a year." "Milagro delivered Yegor's gang, Manuel and all the others." "Ever wonder where she went when she disappeared for days?" "We know all about you, Priscilla." "Milagro is one of our best informants." "She got caught smuggling dope at Niagara Falls." "We made her an offer she couldn't refuse." "Seven years behind bars is a long time." "I apologize for the poor sound quality." "Cell phones..." "Hello Ariane." "They're arriving from Santo Domingo." "Anything new?" "Their papers are ready." " How many?" " Three girls:" "Maria Sanchez," "Angela Pacheco," "Isabella Fuentes." " Will Manuel meet them?" " Yes, at Dorval at 8 p.m." "Where'll he take them?" "Milagro!" " I gotta go." " Where'll they go?" "I'm hanging up." "I'll let you in on something." "She and Chloé were leaving the country tonight." "That was part of our deal." "They were supposed to fly to London." "She never showed up at the meeting point." "We can't find them." "Can you tell me anything?" "No." "I've nothing to say." "Put herwith the others." "I hear you speak pretty good Russian, Spanish and English." "You could work for us." "In exchange, we could help you." "Get you a Canadian passport." "A real one this time." "Take her away." "Verification of a child's papers." "Please follow the agent." "Yes, speaking." "What?" "Yes, that's her." "That's right, she and her daughter." "What?" "To Brazil?" "Let them leave." "Their papers are in order." "Thank you." "Thanks a lot." "We are currently flying at an altitude of 10,000 meters." "The forecast for Sao Paolo is a typical summer day of 32 degrees." "Sit back and enjoy the flight." "What's your country like?" "Mom says it's far away." "She's right, it is far." "There's no snow, just lots of sand." "And beaches as far as you can see." "There's the ocean and mountains." " Is it pretty?" " Yes, magnificent." "I could come join you."