Still Hope: Exposing Human Trafficking in America and Inspiring Action

The Film 'Still Hope'

• 🎬 Still Hope is a new film inspired by the true stories of two trafficking survivors, combining their experiences into a single character named Hope.
• 🎯 The movie authentically portrays Hope's journey through abduction, rescue, and the complex process of recovery.
• 💡 A unique aspect of the film is that the rescue occurs halfway through, shifting the focus to the aftermath and healing.

Addressing Domestic Trafficking

• 🏠 The film aims to show that human trafficking can happen to anyone, emphasizing its prevalence within the US.
• 🏘️ Set in a typical Midwestern town, Hope comes from an ordinary, church-going family, challenging sensationalized or international-focused narratives.
• 💻 The film highlights how online interactions, specifically meeting someone online who isn't who they claim to be, can lead to trafficking.

The Recovery Process

• 💔 The director found telling this story emotionally taxing, particularly the second half of the film which focuses on life after rescue.
• 💬 Recovery is presented as a process, not an event, often taking years and emphasizing the importance of presence and community over just the right words.
• 🤝 The film underscores the crucial role of community support in the healing journey for survivors.

Raising Awareness and Mobilizing Action

• 📢 The film serves as a tool to call people to action, moving audiences from general awareness to education, awakening, and mobilization.
• 🎟️ A portion of every ticket sold for 'Still Hope' goes directly to ministries supporting anti-trafficking efforts through the Still Hope Project.
• 🤝 Partner organizations like the Pure Hope Foundation and Hope for Justice are involved, aiming to equip everyday people on how they can help combat this issue.

Disturbing Realities

• ⚠️ A particularly disturbing detail highlighted is how trafficking can occur right under our noses, with people unaware or unwilling to intervene.
• 🚶‍♀️ An example shared involves a survivor who was visibly injured and bleeding in public, yet no one offered help.
• 🌍 The film's creators believe that collective effort is essential to eradicate human trafficking.