Pablo Villeda, a prominent Guatemala City lawyer, has assumed the role of director of IJM Guatemala. In his new position, Villeda will work with Guatemalan authorities and referral partners to investigate and prosecute cases of sexual abuse, domestic violence, exploitative working conditions and commercial sexual exploitation of children and women. Prior to IJM, Villeda worked alongside his father as an attorney with a focus on family law and contract dispute. He is also a professor at the Universidad Rafael Landivar in Guatemala. Of his new position, Villeda says: “IJM Guatemala is already doing good work and making a contribution for justice in our country. My expectations are high for becoming part of this great team and adding to the existing history of successful cases.”

AMAZING CHANGE: In conjunction with the February (U.S.)/March (UK) release of “Amazing Grace,” the Walden Media film about the life of William Wilberforce, IJM partnered with prominent anti-slavery groups in the related awareness and fundraising campaign, The Amazing Change.

“Fields of Mudan” is an Oscar-nominated short film about a young girl forced into sex slavery who dreams of a better life amidst unspeakable conditions. Made by the University of Florida film school, the film is being sold exclusively by Indieflix.com, with a portion of the proceeds going to support IJM’s work. The film is about 20 minutes in length and garnered a number of awards at film festivals around the country. Due to the subject matter the movie is recommended for a mature audience. Visit www.indieflix.com for more information.