Toronto actress Fatima Iqbal takes on the challenging role of Rani in the Brampton-based film I Am No Queen directed by Shadab Khan. (Photo: IMDB)
When Rani arrived in Canada to pursue her studies, she couldn’t have foreseen the treacherous path ahead—one that led her into the dark world of sex work.
While Rani’s story in I Am No Queen is fictional, it is rooted in harsh realities faced by some international students in Canada. Directed by Brampton filmmaker Shadab Khan, the film sheds light on the exploitation and challenges experienced by vulnerable students, often at the hands of human traffickers.
The plot revolves around Rani, whose name translates to “queen” in Hindi, as she navigates financial difficulties after unknowingly enrolling in a fraudulent private college. Burdened by mounting debts to loan sharks overseas and overwhelming living expenses, Rani is drawn into the orbit of Harry, a charismatic yet troubled pimp who preys on her desperation.
Rani’s story parallels the real-life plight of hundreds of international students in Canada who fell victim to fraudulent enrollments and faced deportation in 2023. The scams were linked to fake colleges and unauthorized “ghost consultants” who filed deceptive applications on behalf of students.
Inspired by actual events, Khan collaborated with producers Deep and Minu Basi to highlight cases of students forced to live in cramped, unsafe conditions, targeted by scam artists, and coerced into sex work.
The film, which showcases debut performances and features Toronto actress Fatima Iqbal in the lead role, emerged as a standout piece at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.
Although the film isn’t currently scheduled for local screenings, Brampton city officials are actively working to arrange viewings to spread the film’s critical message.
This week, Brampton City Council urged both federal and provincial governments to implement stronger protections for international students against human trafficking. The council emphasized that removing sex work as a condition for deportation related to student visas is a vital step to disrupt traffickers and provide victims the support they desperately need.
Despite only two reported cases of international students being exploited in Peel Region, police acknowledge that the true extent of the issue is likely underreported. Instances of coercion can involve landlords confiscating passports or traffickers blatantly recruiting students with posters advertising sex work near local Gurdwaras and educational institutions.
Peel Regional Police’s Vice Unit Detective Sergeant Bob Hackenbrook stated that Brampton’s proximity to major highways and Pearson International Airport makes it a hotspot for traffickers.
Brampton City Council has been increasingly vocal about the issue, particularly after reports surfaced of online ads offering free rent in exchange for “friends-with-benefits” arrangements. The council is urging local academic institutions to take responsibility by creating more student housing and educating international students on the dangers of sexual exploitation and consent.