Caroline Nguyen, seventeen years old, was selected as of the three winner of the TEDx Teen Challenge Award because of her leadership skills for raising awareness about human trafficking in her community.

When she read an article in the OC Register about a police raid taking place at a local chiropractor's office, she was shocked to find out that girls her age were being trafficked as sexual slaves in a "normal" business which everyone knew.

The majority of people think that  human trafficking only happens overseas, in Asia or somewhere far away, and that our communities are safe.  

But human trafficking takes place right here, on US soil, and probably right in your own neighborhood.  It's the second largest crime in the world, right after drug trafficking.  Children are being sold as sex slaves and they probably live in your town, but they are hidden from plain sight.  It's a dirty little secret because it is based on fear. 

Here are some statistics:  20.9 million people are estimated to be victims of modern slavery, 60% of survivors were trafficked for sexual exploitation , 50% of the victims are less than 15 years old, and 27% percent of victims are children .  

___________________________CAROLINE'S STORY_____________________________

 At fifteen, she wrote an essay which was published in the Huffington Post, entitled:  "When We Grow up". http://www.huffingtonpost.com/caroline-nguyen/w… where she already talked about the importance of volunteering and trying to be a leader .  

Caroline loved watching inspirational videos from TED Talks.

When she found out about TEDx Teen Challenge, she decided to apply and took a bus all the way from Northern California to participate in the event .  

Caroline recently received a COMMENDATION from the Mayor and the City Council Members of the city of Westminster.

The OC Register just had a FRONT PAGE online article about Caroline and the film we are making! 

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/nguyen-63016…

This nice article was written by Chris Haire.  Thank you Mr. Haire!

_______________________________ THE FILM ___________________________________

This film is part documentary part re-enactments with actors.

The documentary part will include interviews from Mayor Tri Ta, Chief of Police Kevin Baker and Caroline Nguyen and will include everything you need to know about human trafficking and how to recognize the signs.

But we did not want to stop there.  We created re-enactments where you will see actual real life situation where people might come across human trafficking.

Due to the tight deadline, I started directing and filming this film before the end of our campaign, and we were forced to make a few adjustments due to the availability of key people. 

But rest assured, the film is going to be even better than anticipated!

We are keeping the original interviews, the re-enactments and some of the intercut style, but I also have additional interviews coming in.  

I recently had the opportunity to conduct an interview at the Orangewood Children Foundation which helps rescue kids off the street, and this interview was outstanding.  

It is, however, prompting me to do a few changes, as I learned that "code words" at in fact rarely used.  This interview centered on real facts but also brought hope for change, and I will be happy to share this with you in the documentary.

And we have great news:

We are honored and proud to announce that remarkable entrepreneur, educator, mentor, pubic speaker and human trafficking survivor Rachel Thomas has agreed to be interviewed for our documentary.

Please take a minute and watch  her video where she talks about her extraordinary journey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeY97QtvWQs

Please follow this link to read more information about Mrs. Thomas and Ms. Sower:

http://sowerseducationgroup.com/about-rachel/

We are truly honored to have both guests in our film.

 We want to make sure that the general public understands that regardless of ethnicity, age or social background, every child is at risk of being human trafficked in the US .  Furthermore, we will provide practical steps to help recognize human trafficking victims and provide help.

_____________________Who is the Mentor and Filmmaker?___________________

My name is Cynthia Biret and I am a professional filmmaker, journalist, sound recordist, producer, editor and director with over twenty years of experience in the film and television industry.

You can check my Linkedin page presentation here:  https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=57541473&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Or just got to Linkedin and type in my name.

My credits include network and cable television shows for NBC, ABC, WE, Bravo, Discovery, A&E, FOX, MTV, VH1, the SUNDANCE Channel, the Travel Channel and many others, as well as marketing campaigns for prestigious ad agencies and  independent films focused on bringing awareness about social issues and the environment.

Education is my passion.

"I saw your belief and your drive, that is why, I am willing to make my inputs.   I am not doing it, just because Caroline is my daughter, but because I an see your efforts in it too."  Mrs Frances Nguyen.

______________THIS FILM WILL BE SEEN ACROSS THE WORLD________________

     This film will be shown across the world and reach a very large audience.

This film will premiere at SOKA University during an award ceremony on 9/19/14.

It will then be shown on TEDx online platforms nationally and internationally.

This is the FIRST year of the TEDx Teen Challenge, and it is an incredible opportunity to support not only Caroline's vision but also to create a powerful campaign against human trafficking .

_____________________________________________________________________________

Besides being showcased  nationally and internationally on TED online platforms, I am very excited to announce that this film will also air on Time Warner Cable.

As an executive producer and a filmmaker, I am working on an incredibly tight deadline and through many challenges to bring this film to you, but rest assured that I am working around the clock for this film to  premiere at SOKA University at the end of September. 

Thank you very much for everyone's support.

Cynthia Biret