California’s Forgotten Children

Streaming video - 2018

An award-winning feature documentary that follows a diverse group of resilient survivors who have overcome commercial sexual exploitation of children and are changing the world by ensuring no child is forgotten. The film was honored at the United States Senate, the United State of Women’s Summit, and the United Nations Association USA encouraging policymakers to create and implement laws and policies to combat trafficking. The film won Best Documentary at the Soho International Film Festival and won numerous film awards at nineteen other film festivals worldwide. ​This film gives viewers the tools to combat this epidemic and empowers survivors on their path to freedom. Featuring stories from leaders in the movement such as Time 100 Most... Influential People Withelma "T" Ortiz Walker Pettigrew, attorney Carissa Phelps, academic scholar Dr. Minh Dang, activist Leah Albright-Byrd, therapist Nikolaos Al-Khadra, and educator Rachel Thomas, M. Ed. The film supports the stories of survivors with current statistics and perspectives of sexual exploitation from professionals in social services, law enforcement, advocates, and child welfare. The film follows powerful and eye-opening stories that illuminate the tragic reality of child sex trafficking within the United States, focusing on the state of California as a significant hotspot for this criminal industry. The documentary vividly depicts the journeys of young girls and boys through the dark and unforgiving world of exploitation. Some fell through the cracks of the foster care system, broken homes, and abusive families force fully kidnaped, while some lived perfect stable lives, but were coerced into following fake promises. Despite the gut-wrenching exposure of their experiences, the survivors' stories also reveal resilience and hope, as they rise to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, and leaders in the fight against child trafficking. Through the heartfelt narratives of these brave survivors and the invaluable insights shared by experts and advocates, California's Forgotten Children urges viewers to take collective action to prevent human trafficking, support survivors, and stand passionately for the protection of human rights. more