California's Forgotten Children


California's Forgotten Children is an American feature documentary directed by Melody C. Miller. Winning Best Documentary at the 2018 Soho International Film Festival, the film 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 left behind. The film features stories from Time 100 Most Influential People Withelma "T" Ortiz Walker Pettigrew, attorney Carissa Phelps, academic scholar 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; such as California Against Slavery, Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking,,,, Oakland Police Department, Los Angeles Police Department,, Nancy O'Malley District Attorney for Alameda County,,,,,,,, and many more.
The documentary focuses on those who were wrongfully criminalized in the judicial system; manipulated and coerced by family, friends, and caretakers; and exploited by multiple slavery industries.
On June 26, 2019, the film screened at the United States Senate to educate policy makers implementing laws to combat human trafficking. It was honored at the United State of Women Summit in May 2018.
Internationally through film festivals, community screenings, and schools, the documentary continues to educate audiences and mobilize action to help victims of child sex trafficking.
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Awards and honors