Mark your calendars: On February 5-9, theaters across the nation will screen Still Hope — a film seeking to raise awareness about sex trafficking and celebrate the hope and healing victims can find in recovery.
The movie follows 16-year-old Hope, who is trapped in sex trafficking by a person she thought was a friend. After years of abuse, Hope is rescued and returned to her loving family. The film focuses on her journey toward healing, forgiveness and freedom from her trauma.
Hope’s story is based on the experiences of real victims of sex trafficking who sought help at the Pure Hope Foundation, a nonprofit that offers therapy, education and other resources to survivors seeking to start independent lives.
“The powerful story of these women, portrayed through the character of Hope, shows that healing and forgiveness are possible,” Still Hope director Richie Johns describes the film’s inspiration.
“Our prayer is that Still Hope will give a voice and platform to the courageous individuals who have personally walked this journey and become a rallying cry for those who are boldly with them.”
Johns’ faith-based production company, Studio 523, partnered with Pixels of Hope to bring Still Hope to life. Ray Nutt, CEO of the film’s distributor, Fathom Entertainment, calls the project “one of the most powerful and provocative movies we have ever been associated with.”
Kathrine Lee, co-founder and CEO of the Pure Hope Foundation, praises the movie’s focus on the protagonist’s winding road to restoration.
“Unlike other films, [Still Hope] isn’t just about the rescue piece, but also about redemption, resilience and walking alongside survivors on their journey to healing,” she explains.
“It highlights the bravery of women and men who have endured sex trafficking and the courageous work of recovery. “
Still Hope addresses a moral concern of global significance. The grotesque human trafficking industry generates tens of billions of dollars each year for organized criminal organizations.
As many as 50 million men, women and children are trafficked globally on any given day.
Confirmed instances of child trafficking increased by 30% between 2019 and 2022, according to last year’s United Nations’ report on Global Trafficking in Persons. Experts attribute the dramatic increase, in part, to illegal immigration.
Unprecedented numbers of unaccompanied minors have tried to enter North American and Western European countries illegally in the past five years. Bad actors frequently traffic children in this situation for slave labor and sex.
Human trafficking in the United States mimics global trends.
Last year, officials identified nearly 22,000 confirmed victims of human trafficking through the National Human Trafficking Hotline alone.
In 2023, The New York Times published an exposé on child labor in which dozens of caseworkers at the Department of Health and Human Services “independently estimated that about two-thirds of all unaccompanied migrant children ended up working full time [while awaiting immigration trial].”
Between 2021 and 2023, the department was unable to contact roughly 85,000 unaccompanied migrant children placed with American sponsors, per the Times. The outlet further documented evidence of children as young as 12 working jobs in slaughterhouses, industrial bakeries, construction, roofing and commercial laundries.
Between 2019 and 2023, more than 32,000 unaccompanied minors in U.S. custody failed to appear for their immigration court dates. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement do not know where they are or if they are safe.
The makers of Still Hope endeavor not only to raise awareness about human trafficking, but “encourage viewers to join arms with advocates in the fight against trafficking.”
Tickets for Still Hope will be available starting December 12. You can purchase them online with Fathom Entertainment or at participating theaters nationwide.
The creators recommend parents treat Still Hope as a PG-13 film.
You can read Plugged In’s review of Still Hope upon its release.
Additional Articles and Resources
Counseling Consultation & Referrals
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)
NCMEC’s 24/7 call center number: 1-800-THE-LOST (843-5678)
Protecting Your Child From Sexual Abuse
Understanding the Scope of Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking: What You Need to Know
Talking to Your Kids About Sexual Abuse
How to Prevent Sexual Exploitation of Your Child
Reclaiming Hope: Resources and Mentoring for Sex Trafficking Survivors
Crackdown on Illegal Immigration Protects Children
American immigration System loses Contact with Tens of Thousands of Migrant Children
Tom Homan: We Have the Most Secure Border in American History
Over 30 Children Recovered, Trafficking Operations Busted in ‘Operation Lightning Bug’
DOJ Announces Rescue of 10 Children from Trafficking: ‘There is No Greater Evil’
FBI Announces ‘Huge Takedown’ of Child Abusers in Texas, Rescue of 109 Children
DOJ Announces Rescue of 115 Children in ‘Operation Restore Justice’
