- 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
Producer - Jerry Heverly
Associate Producer - Genice Jacobs
Line Producer - Betsy Tsai
Co-Editor - Eric F. Martin
Cinematographer - Jason Knutzen