California's Forgotten Children

Directed By Melody C. Miller

CALIFORNIA'S FORGOTTEN CHILDREN is an impactful feature documentary that follows a diverse group of resilient survivors who have overcome commercial sexual exploitation as children and are changing the world by ensuring no child is forgotten. This film gives viewers the tools to combat this epidemic and empowers survivors on their path to freedom.


  • ABOUT
  • BIO
  • SCREENINGS
  • AWARDS
  • PRESS
  • CREDITS

CALIFORNIA'S FORGOTTEN CHILDREN is an award-winning feature documentary that 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 forgotten. This film gives viewers the tools to combat this epidemic and empowers survivors on their path to freedom. Featuring stories from leaders in the movement such as Time 100 Most Influential People Withelma "T" Ortiz Walker Pettigrew, attorney Carissa Phelps, White House Champion of Change Dr. Minh Dang, activist Leah Albright-Byrd, therapist Nikolaos Al-Khadra, and educator Rachel Thomas, M. Ed. 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.


The film follows powerful and eye-opening stories that illuminate the tragic reality of child sex trafficking within the United States, focusing on the state of California as a significant hotspot for this criminal industry. The documentary vividly depicts the journeys of young girls and boys through the dark and unforgiving world of exploitation. Some fell through the cracks of the foster care system, broken homes, and abusive families force fully kidnapped, while some lived perfect stable lives, but were coerced into following fake promises. Despite the gut-wrenching exposure of their experiences, the survivors' stories also reveal resilience and hope, as they rise to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, and leaders in the fight against child trafficking.


Through the heartfelt narratives of these brave survivors and the invaluable insights shared by experts and advocates, California's Forgotten Children urges viewers to take collective action to prevent human trafficking, support survivors, and stand passionately for the protection of human rights.

Melody C. Miller is an Emmy-winning filmmaker and cinematographer known for impactful storytelling in socially relevant documentaries. Her acclaimed films, California’s Forgotten Children and ruth weiss, the beat goddess, have inspired audiences globally, with the latter earning an Emmy for Best Historical and Cultural Documentary. Currently, she is directing Thriv(h)er, her third feature, exploring the complex journey of young cancer survivors navigating motherhood. A UCLA Film School graduate, Melody has also directed branded content for Samsung and worked as director of photography for top media outlets, including HBO MAX, PBS, and ESPN. Her work reflects a commitment to sparking important conversations and positive change.

San Diego International Film Festival 2018

Newport Beach International Film Festival 2018

Chagrin Documentary Film Festival 2018

Los Angeles Women's International Film Festival 2018

Nepal Human Rights International Film Festival 2018

Soho International Film Festival - Best Documentary 2018

Chico International Film Festival - Best Director 2018

Public Media Awards NETA - Best Topical Documentary - 2021

the California Film Awards - Winner the Orson Welles Award - 2018

Riverside International Film Festival - Rising Filmmaker Award - 2018

"California’s Forgotten Children is poignant and needed. The film’s writer and director Melody C. Miller has done a great service to humanity and millions of children across the world by making this film."
GhMovieFreak
"California’s Forgotten Children holds no punches when it comes to reveal the true face of child abuse and trafficking, and how the system fails to protect those who need it the most. The raw testimonies are a wake up call to each and every American."
Hoy Sale Cine
"California’s Forgotten Children tells its stories from brave women and men who were once victims and the heroes who risk their lives and reputations to rescue, help and rehabilitate."
Film Threat
"California's Forgotten Children is a great tool to both open a conversation and dialogue on human trafficking as well as to create a more in-depth dialogue on how to strategically combat this horrific crime."
Penny Ronning, Co-Found/Co-Chair of Yellowstone County Human Trafficking Taskforce Montana International Film Festival
"The impact of California’s Forgotten Children documentary was tremendous! Students went home and told their families about the film and what they had learned. Parents reached out and wanted to view the film as well and learn more. The impact has been rema"
Gameelah Mohamed Victims Specialist

Producer - Jerry Heverly

Associate Producer - Genice Jacobs

Line Producer - Betsy Tsai

Co-Editor - Eric F. Martin

Cinematographer - Jason Knutzen