Cruelty for Clicks

From puppies tied up for fake ‘rescues’ to baby monkeys tormented for entertainment, animal abuse is being staged, sold and shared across some of the world’s largest platforms. True crime meets investigative journalism in Cruelty for Clicks, a documentary that follows a global network of investigators, attorneys, psychologists and advocates working to expose the people and systems behind the posts.

The film reveals how apparently ‘cute’ content can hide suffering, how staged rescues are engineered for engagement, and how encrypted chatgroups traffic illegal ‘crush’ videos. Despite protests, petitions and a lawsuit against YouTube, abusive material continues to evade moderation and earn attention and money.

Yet the story is not without hope. Mini, once exploited as a YouTube ‘star,’ is rescued and returned to the wild. Tigers and other exotic animals find refuge at a sanctuary. Investigations help law enforcement identify perpetrators, leading to arrests and prison sentences. Viewers will learn how to identify animal cruelty behind the clever facades, and what to do when they see it.

Click the Link Below

Click The Link Below follows Audun, a filmmaker chasing financial freedom, who invests $7,500 in an online coaching program promising a tenfold return. Returning to Norway after years living with a shaman in the Indonesian jungle, he’s caught in the rush of the tech revolution. As social media and smartphones open a borderless market, Audun’s quest for success lead him to the world of online gurus, including Akbar Sheikh, whose promises of wealth initially seem like the answer.

Audun’s journey takes him deeper into the murky ethics of online marketing, where he uncovers stories of scams and desperation. As he interviews experts, victims, and successful entrepreneurs, he begins to question the true cost of success in this digital age.

The film explores the tension between illusion and reality in the pursuit of quick wealth, while examining the darker side of online hustle culture and its emotional toll. With expectations now tempered, Audun must confront Akbar: will he fulfill his promises or will Audun be left to reckon with the truth about the industry’s manipulative tactics? Click The Link Below is an eye-opening exploration of success, vulnerability, and the search for meaning in an increasingly digital world.