California’s Forgotten Children is a feature documentary that follows a diverse group of resilient survivors who have overcome commercial sexual exploitation as children and are changing the world by ensuring no child is forgotten. This film gives viewers the tools to combat this epidemic and empowers survivors on their path to freedom.
OUR PURPOSE
covering every aspect of commercial sexual exploitation for people to have a better understanding
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- Know you aren’t alone and it isn’t your fault. Connect and feel seen by the survivor leaders in the film.
- To inspire YOU to join us in the fight to end commercial sexual exploitation by using this documentary to implement change in your community.
- To distribute the documentary to schools and non-profits around the world. To screen at film festivals and on national television to educate, change public perception and influence policy.
OUR IMPACT AND ACHIEVEMENTS
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Fueled by the powerful stories of survivors and advocates and a desire to foster change alongside our partners across the globe, California’s Forgotten Children has become a movement. We have reached thousands of people internationally: raising awareness about the prevalence of child sex trafficking through festival and community screenings, mobilizing change within communities by partnering with local advocates and survivor leaders, and inspiring education reform that encourages bringing an end to the exploitation of children.
In June 2019, California's Forgotten Children screened at the United States Senate encouraging policymakers in creating laws and policies to combat trafficking. The film was honored at the United State of Women Summit; premiered at fifteen film festivals; won Best Documentary at the Soho International Film Festival; Best Director at the Chico Independent Film Festival; ‘Rising Filmmaker’ at the Riverside International Film Festival; and the Orson Welles Award at the California Film Awards. California's Forgotten Children has been nominated for twelve Best Documentary Awards.
Currently airing on PBS, California's Forgotten Children Won Best Topical Documentary at the 53rd Annual Public Media Awards. Thanks to National Education Telecommunication Association and Public Broadcast Stations our film aired on 44 channels and reached millions of people across the nation. |
OUR JOURNEY
using our skills to make a difference
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California's Forgotten Children was directed by filmmaker Melody C. Miller. While volunteering for a local non-profit Melody Miller found out that students in her high school were being trafficked. Using her skills in filmmaking she embarked on a mission to raise awareness and give communities the tools and the knowledge to combat this scourge. Before graduating from university, she brought together 100 influential artists, human rights leaders, and 20 organizations to join her in the fight to end trafficking by making California's Forgotten Children. After years of hard work, she completed the film and Melody continues to work on spreading its message every day.
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SURVIVOR LEADERS AND ORGANIZATIONS IN THE FILM
changing the lives of youth everyday
Withelma “T” Ortiz Walker Pettigrew
Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world! |
Carissa Phelps
Lawyer, Author, Social Entrepreneur, Math Geek, Mentor |
Leah Albright-Byrd
Activist, Community Builder, Author, Artist, Musician |
Minh Dang
White House Champion of Change, PhD Student, Avid Hiker, Poet |
Nikolas Al-Kahdra
Psychologist, Advocate, Beacon of hope in the LGBTQ Community |
Rachel Thomas
Educator, Mentor, Curriculum Designer, Survivor Empowerer |
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THANK YOU
We sincerely thank everyone who helped make the film possible in front of the camera and behind it. Thank you to all the people who helped lift the film's wings after its completion by hosting screenings and creating opportunities for survivor leaders.
We will donate the Net proceeds from this year, and beyond as an annual grant to organizations in the film and, hopefully, more organizations we have met along the way. Having your voice to encourage people to watch our movie, share the film on social media, newsletters, and blogs would greatly help.
We will donate the Net proceeds from this year, and beyond as an annual grant to organizations in the film and, hopefully, more organizations we have met along the way. Having your voice to encourage people to watch our movie, share the film on social media, newsletters, and blogs would greatly help.
