The Abolitionists


The Abolitionists is a 2016 documentary film by Darrin Fletcher and Chet Thomas about a sting mission orchestrated in Colombia by the independent Operation Underground Railroad jump team, led by former U.S. Homeland Security Special Agent Timothy Ballard, countering child sex trafficking.

Development

The film was developed first and foremost as a compelling reality television series but as the first episode was being editing it began to take on its own life as a feature film, with seven episodes of the television series also being completed.

Reception

Critical response

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 91% based on 179 user reviews. The site's critic, NYC Movie Guru reads: "Spellbinding, gripping and eye-opening. Bravo to directors Darrin Fletcher and Chet Thomas for bringing Tim Ballard and the human rights issue of child sex trafficking to light"
The Abolitionists premiered on May 16, 2016, and sold out 500+ theaters all across the United States.

Episodes