California's Forgotten Children

California's Forgotten Children is an American feature documentary directed by Melody C. Miller.[1] Winning Best Documentary at the 2018 Soho International Film Festival,[2] 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.[3] The film features stories from Time 100 Most Influential People Withelma "T" Ortiz Walker Pettigrew,[4] attorney Carissa Phelps,[5][6][7] academic scholar Minh Dang,[8][9] activist Leah Albright-Byrd,[6][10] therapist Nikolaos Al-Khadra,[11] and educator Rachel Thomas, M. Ed.[3]

California's Forgotten Children
Directed by	Melody C. Miller
Produced by	Jerry Heverly
Written by	Melody C. Miller
Starring	Withelma Ortiz Walker Pettigrew
Music by	Stephen A. Spies
Cinematography	Jason Knutzen
Edited by	Eric F. Martin
Release date	14 October 2018 (2018-10-14) (San Diego International Film Festival)
Running time	90 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

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, Saving Innocence, Motivating, Inspiring, Supporting & Serving Sexually Exploited Youth, National Center for Youth Law , Oakland Police Department, Los Angeles Police Department, Runaway Girl Inc., Nancy O'Malley District Attorney for Alameda County, iEmpathize, Bay Area Women Against Rape, Survivor Alliance, SHADE Movement, Heat Watch, Sowers Education Group, Bridget's Dream, and many more.[12]

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.[13]

On June 26, 2019, the film screened at the United States Senate to educate policy makers implementing laws to combat human trafficking.[14][15][16] It was honored at the United State of Women Summit in May 2018.[17][18]

Internationally through film festivals, community screenings, and schools, the documentary continues to educate audiences and mobilize action to help victims of child sex trafficking.[19][15][14]