Sex trafficking film 'The Lost Girls' to premiere at Auburn State Theatre

Robert Craig Films, in association with Artists For Change, have announced a screening of "The Lost Girls" on Sunday, July 31, at the Auburn State Theatre to help bring more awareness of sex trafficking to the community. This weekend was chosen for the premiere because it's the United Nations' International Day of Remembrance titled, "World Day Against Trafficking in Persons." This LIFETIME Channel premiere movie was directed by Hollywood veteran filmmaker Julia Verdin with efforts to help young girls and boys around the world be more aware of the evils of the trafficking industry. "Those of us who work in the film and TV industries carry an incredible responsibility in these troubled times," Verdin said. "Having met a number of 14-, 15-year-old survivors and seeing the level of trauma they struggle with, it is very important to me to do all that I can to educate teenagers and parents about techniques traffickers use to recruit and what the signs of someone being trafficked are. Education leads to prevention." Important topics in the film include: · Showcasing modern trafficking techniques. · Illustrating methods traffickers use to keep their victims hostage and afraid to reach out for help. · Emphasizing the importance of family values, parents being present and building trust with teens. · Demonstrating the importance of faith in God as part of the recovery journey. · Highlighting the need for support for survivors in recovery. "The Lost Girls" depicts the horrors of sex trafficking in a deeply visceral way, serving as a call to action for many who consider their lives untouched by this world. "The Lost Girls" is also a story of family, bravery and self-worth that can't be dictated by the world around you. In the film, Angie Morgan is deep in her rebellious teen phase, acting out against her absent parents with her secret new boyfriend, Mario. However, unknown to her, Mario is a reluctant agent of a vast sex trafficking network, and he's forced to lure Angie into a horrifying world of rape and abuse. As the police and her heartbroken parents fight to find her, Angie and other trafficked girls struggle to maintain hope and stay alive. When Angie finally escapes and is brought home, she is haunted by the atrocities done to her and by the shadowy figures still pursuing her. She must eventually confront the shame and fear instilled in her to save the girls she left behind. There will be a 30-minute Q&A following the film with a panel of experts in the trafficking industry, including: Don Brewster of Agape International Missions, Victor Pecoraro of Stand Up Placer, Johnny Lujan of Freedom Through Education, a girl who was rescued from trafficking and a local sheriff (TBA). THE LOST GIRLS When/where: Sunday, July 31, 3 p.m. at the Auburn State Theater, 985 Lincoln Way Cost: $10 adults, $5 17 years and under. Not recommended for children under 13 years old. Tickets: https://www.auburnstatetheatre.org/on-screenFilm trailer: https://youtu.be/7f4DzaHZ_aA