The world of modeling is a complex and often brutal industry, where young women from all over the world are lured with promises of fame and fortune, only to find themselves trapped in a cycle of exploitation. In the documentary 'Girl Model,' director Ashley Sabin shines a light on this dark underbelly of the fashion industry, focusing on the experiences of a young Russian model named Vall who is sent to Japan at the age of 16 to pursue her dream.

Vall's journey is just one example of the many young girls who are lured into the world of modeling with promises of success and wealth. But in reality, they often find themselves trapped in a cycle of exploitation, forced to work long hours for minimal pay and subjected to constant criticism about their appearance.

The documentary also explores the role that talent scouts like Ashley Arbaugh play in perpetuating this system. Arbaugh is a former model who scours the Siberian countryside for new faces to feed to her Japanese clients, often targeting young girls who are desperate for a better life. Despite few similarities between Siberia and Tokyo, a thriving model industry exists between the regions, facilitated by talent scouts like Arbaugh.

But as Vall's story illustrates, the world of modeling is not all glamour and excitement. In fact, it can be a dangerous and exploitative place, where young girls are treated more like commodities than human beings. The documentary highlights the ways in which models are often pressured to lie about their age, weight, and other personal details in order to get work, and how they are frequently subjected to body shaming and criticism.

The film also features an interview with Rachel Blais, a model who worked with Arbaugh and has spoken out about the exploitation she experienced. 'She wanted to be a whistle-blower in the beginning, but as the production progressed, she got deeper in the industry...and really pushed back against the film,' Blais says.

Despite the challenges and dangers that models face, there are still many who pursue this career path with passion and dedication. For Vall, modeling is a way to make a name for herself and provide for her family. 'I was chosen by a Russian agency to go to Japan,' she says on camera. 'That's what my eye is trained to see for Japan.'

In the end, 'Girl Model' is a powerful reminder of the importance of treating young women with respect and dignity, and of recognizing the ways in which they are often exploited and objectified by the fashion industry.

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