"Surviving Sex Trafficking" examines the ongoing struggles of the brave 1% of sex trafficking survivors still desperately fighting to break free of their past, even as they painfully repair their damaged bodies and minds, reconnect with a safer world of hope, and finally reclaim their lost humanity.
"Surviving Sex Trafficking" examines the ongoing struggles of the brave 1% of sex trafficking survivors still desperately fighting to break free of their past, even as they painfully repair their damaged bodies and minds, reconnect with a safer world of hope, and finally reclaim their lost humanity.
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Story
Mission Statement
Empowering communities to support survivors and end sex trafficking. Our team is comprised of beautiful souls dedicated to helping the world become a better place. We are freedom fighters and are ready to set forth all efforts to end human trafficking in our lifetime through the power of film.About The Project
Stopping Traffic 2: Surviving Sex-Trafficking
In an online, instantly interconnected world where the darkest cesspools of sexual exploitation fester and often grow unchallenged by state authority, young women and children are often easy prey to the manipulations of savvy professional traders. Yet even after the tiny minority of survivors escape, their terrifying traumas continue to haunt them as they face the cold daily realities of abandonment and neglect.
The Story
In our first film Stopping Traffic: The Movement to End Sex-Trafficking, global underground sexual trafficking networks were explored, examined and their innumerable and horrifying methods of sexual exploitation explained, but with Stopping Traffic 2: Surviving Sex-Trafficking, this film digs deeper into the ongoing trials and traumas that survivors of trafficking continue to suffer long after the toxic bonds of sexual slavery are broken. And even as victims still trapped in the horrors continue to struggle to survive.
Our first film was an incredibly powerful film. Many survivors, contacted us thanking us for the film we had made. They also shared with us how difficult it is to rebuild their lives after escaping. This is why we are creating Stopping Traffic 2. The film will examine in depth the economic, physical, mental, and social hurdles these brave survivors face at every step to freedom. From legal protection, basic housing, education, and vocational training, to healing the physical and psychological traumas of PTSD, we document the courageous journey of not only the survivors, but the doctors, therapists, activists, philanthropists, and organizations who reach out to these most vulnerable survivors taking their first daunting steps towards real freedom.
The Impact
The mission of Stopping Traffic 2: Surviving Sex-Trafficking is to raise awareness and help communities around the world understand the real needs of these survivors to reconnect with the world in a physically, legally, economically, and socially safer environment where they can engage in a viable effort to reintegrate. Through the tireless work of committed individuals, activists, organizations, and community programs- all facing daunting uphill battles of political, economic, and social neglect- the survivors of sexual trafficking will stand a fighting chance.
The Statistics
What We Need
Film is a powerful way to spread the important stories of survivors of sex-trafficking; however, it's also an expensive one. We have already finished production, but we need additional funds to finish our film in post-production; this includes editing, coloring, sound mixing, etc. This is where you come in, your contributions will help us get this important project made to its fullest potential.
Stretch Goal
What You Get
Every little bit counts, and we want to personally thank each and every one of you for your contributions. When you support this campaign you have the opportunity to receive a wide variety of perks, to show our sincere appreciation. Some of the perks include a personal shout out on our Facebook page, a private link to view the film as soon as it is released, or even an executive producer credit on the project!
Other Ways You Can Help
In order to reach our goal, we will need help from as many of you as possible. In addition to contributing to the campaign, sharing the link to the campaign via social media will help to spread the word about this important story.
THANK YOU
BECAUSE
Incentives
$5
Digital Thank You Hug from Us
Thank you for supporting Stopping Traffic 2! Absolutely every dollar makes a difference. We send you a warm virtual hug and appreciate your involvement in the fight against sex-trafficking.
$15
Shoutout on Socials + Digital Poster
Ending sex-trafficking requires an army of loving hearts. Thank you for your contribution. This tier will get you a thank you shout-out on our social media, a virtual thank-you hug, and a digital poster for you to spread awareness to combat human trafficking!
$25
Private Streaming of Stopping Traffic 1 + Freedom Fighter Certificate
Welcome to the Freedom Fighter team! As a thank you for your kind contribution you will get a private link to watch our first award-winning film "Stopping Traffic: The Movement to End Sex-Trafficking". In addition, receive an official ST digital Freedom Fighter certificate for joining the fight against sex-trafficking. Yay!
+ all previous incentives.
$50
Private Screener link of Stopping Traffic 2
WOW! You will be among the first to watch Stopping Traffic 2 via a private link before it even premieres! In addition as a thank you for your level of contribution your name will appear in the Thank You credits of the film, how cool and awesome is that!!
+ all previous incentives.
$100
Virtual Meditation and Prayer for Survivors
Join us during a special online meditation session where we focus on peace, healing, and positivity for all the victims and survivors of sex-trafficking around the world.
+ all previous incentives.
$150
Q and A Zoom Call with the Filmmakers
Get the unique chance to talk to the filmmakers behind "Stopping Traffic" via Zoom and hear their stories about creating the documentary and working with the survivors.
+ all previous incentives
$250
IMDB Credit
AMAZING! For your support, you will receive your name not only in the credits of the film but on IMDb as well! In addition, receive a printed certificate of appreciation for being a Freedom Fighter!
+ all previous incentives
$500
Be a part of the Hollywood Premiere!
YAY! We'll see you at the Hollywood premiere! Receive 2 General Admission Tickets to the Hollywood premiere. (Accommodations and travel not included.)
+ all previous incentives.
$1,000
VIP Hollywood Premiere Tickets!
Are you ready for a VIP experience? Receive 2 VIP Tickets to the Hollywood premiere of Stopping Traffic 2. You will get to walk the RED CARPET along with all the attending celebrities. Also, at this level, enjoy Freedom Ambassador film credit. (Accommodations and travel not included.)
+ all previous incentives.
Claimed: 9 of 50
$5,000
Ultimate VIP Hollywood Premiere Experience!
Be ready for the ultimate VIP Hollywood Premiere experience. Receive 2 VIP tickets, walk the red carpet, mingle with celebrities, VIP seating, and the best of all join an intimate dinner with the filmmakers, producers, and survivors during the VIP Hollywood premiere dinner. (Accommodations and travel not included)
Claimed: 2 of 10
$10,000
Associate Producer IMDb Credit
Incredible! We're adding your name to the credits as an Associate Producer! PLUS 4 VIP tickets to the Hollywood Premiere, join the VIP Hollywood Premiere dinner with the filmmakers, producers, and survivors, an invitation to watch rough cuts and provide constructive feedback, and have your company/foundation logo displayed as a sponsor of the Hollywood premiere. (Accommodations and travel not included.)
+ all previous incentives.
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$5
Digital Thank You Hug from Us
Thank you for supporting Stopping Traffic 2! Absolutely every dollar makes a difference. We send you a warm virtual hug and appreciate your involvement in the fight against sex-trafficking.
$15
Shoutout on Socials + Digital Poster
Ending sex-trafficking requires an army of loving hearts. Thank you for your contribution. This tier will get you a thank you shout-out on our social media, a virtual thank-you hug, and a digital poster for you to spread awareness to combat human trafficking!
$25
Private Streaming of Stopping Traffic 1 + Freedom Fighter Certificate
Welcome to the Freedom Fighter team! As a thank you for your kind contribution you will get a private link to watch our first award-winning film "Stopping Traffic: The Movement to End Sex-Trafficking". In addition, receive an official ST digital Freedom Fighter certificate for joining the fight against sex-trafficking. Yay!
+ all previous incentives.
$50
Private Screener link of Stopping Traffic 2
WOW! You will be among the first to watch Stopping Traffic 2 via a private link before it even premieres! In addition as a thank you for your level of contribution your name will appear in the Thank You credits of the film, how cool and awesome is that!!
+ all previous incentives.
$100
Virtual Meditation and Prayer for Survivors
Join us during a special online meditation session where we focus on peace, healing, and positivity for all the victims and survivors of sex-trafficking around the world.
+ all previous incentives.
$150
Q and A Zoom Call with the Filmmakers
Get the unique chance to talk to the filmmakers behind "Stopping Traffic" via Zoom and hear their stories about creating the documentary and working with the survivors.
+ all previous incentives
$250
IMDB Credit
AMAZING! For your support, you will receive your name not only in the credits of the film but on IMDb as well! In addition, receive a printed certificate of appreciation for being a Freedom Fighter!
+ all previous incentives
$500
Be a part of the Hollywood Premiere!
YAY! We'll see you at the Hollywood premiere! Receive 2 General Admission Tickets to the Hollywood premiere. (Accommodations and travel not included.)
+ all previous incentives.
$1,000
VIP Hollywood Premiere Tickets!
Are you ready for a VIP experience? Receive 2 VIP Tickets to the Hollywood premiere of Stopping Traffic 2. You will get to walk the RED CARPET along with all the attending celebrities. Also, at this level, enjoy Freedom Ambassador film credit. (Accommodations and travel not included.)
+ all previous incentives.
Claimed: 9 of 50
$5,000
Ultimate VIP Hollywood Premiere Experience!
Be ready for the ultimate VIP Hollywood Premiere experience. Receive 2 VIP tickets, walk the red carpet, mingle with celebrities, VIP seating, and the best of all join an intimate dinner with the filmmakers, producers, and survivors during the VIP Hollywood premiere dinner. (Accommodations and travel not included)
Claimed: 2 of 10
$10,000
Associate Producer IMDb Credit
Incredible! We're adding your name to the credits as an Associate Producer! PLUS 4 VIP tickets to the Hollywood Premiere, join the VIP Hollywood Premiere dinner with the filmmakers, producers, and survivors, an invitation to watch rough cuts and provide constructive feedback, and have your company/foundation logo displayed as a sponsor of the Hollywood premiere. (Accommodations and travel not included.)
+ all previous incentives.
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Sadhvi Siddhali Shree
Director/Producer
Jain Female-Monk
Army Iraq-War Veteran
Speaker & Author
Director's Statement
As survivors of childhood sexual assault, we filmmakers and producers share an intimate understanding and deep empathy with our subjects which lends itself to a more personal connection throughout the narrative. It's because of this personal experience of trauma and own journeys of healing that we strongly feel we're the best fit to tell the difficult, painful stories of our fellow survivors. One of the most common challenges faced when attempting to assist victims on their way to survivor status is the overwhelming shame that so many victims feel. It's this irrational but nonetheless overpowering sense of shame-along with the circumstances of their long term familial/social disconnection-which causes so many victims to regard themselves as social partisans, unfit to be treated as real women who require real help.
As an Army Iraq-war veteran myself, I've experienced the ongoing effects of PTSD on the body, mind and soul and therefore understand the real need for proper, professional therapy and guidance. Because of the chronic, unsettling and often arbitrarily triggered effects of this condition, I understand the struggles of the subjects of our film as they try so desperately to slowly piece their lives together again.
Sadhvi Anubhuti
Director of Photography/Co-Producer
Jain Female-Monk
Speaker, Activist & Advocate
At the Age of 29, Sadhvi Anubhuti decided to lead a purposeful and meaningful life by becoming a Jain monk and dedicating herself to serving those in need. Her mission is to alleviate some of the pain and suffering of those seeking happiness, freedom, non-violence, social justice, healing and soul-awakening.
Upon learning about slavery and human trafficking, Anubhuti saw the critical need to take action. Through the guidance of her spiritual teacher, H.H. Acharya Shree Yogeesh, she focuses her efforts and skills on working in practical ways to eradicate mantal, emotional and, most importantly, physical slavery in her lifetime. She served as the Assistant Director on Stopping Traffic: The Movement to End Sex-Trafficking and serves as the Assistant Director, Co-Producer, and lead camera person on Stopping Traffic: Surviving Sex-Trafficking.
H.H. Acharya Shree Yogeesh
Executive Producer
Spiritual Master
H.H. Acharya Shree Yogeesh, executive producer of Stopping Traffic, is an internationally known spiritual master and Jain Acharya, who has been teaching globally about the principle of non-violence for nearly 50 years, advocating that, through non-violence, true freedom can be achieved. As an inspiring and revolutionary spiritual leader and an in-demand speaker, he dedicates his life to helping guide hundreds of thousands of people on their spiritual journey of self-improvement and self-realization.
Acharya Shree’s non-violent teachings and vision to help those enslaved inspired his chief disciple, Sadhvi Siddhali Shree, to make and direct Stopping Traffic.
Jeannie Mai
Executive Producer
Emmy & NAACP Award Winning TV-Show Host
Jeannie Mai is a producer, make-up artist, fashion expert, TV personality and co-host of the Emmy-Award winning television show The Real. She served as an Executive Prodcuer and was featured in Stopping Traffic: The Movement to End Sex-Trafficking where she shared her own personal experiences in helping victims of human trafficking. She is an ambassador of the Pacific Links Foundation, an organization committed to rescuing women and children from sex trafficking and slavery in Vietnam by providing employment and vocational opportunities, and for Step Up, whose mission is to propel girls from under-resourced communities to fulfill their career potential. Mai has served as a missionary and ambassador for such organizations such as Nightlight International, Not for Sale and Heartbeat Vietnam. In 2019, she received an award from the City of Los Angeles recognizing her work to fight human trafficking.
Alyssa Milano
Executive Producer
Actress & Activist
Alyssa Milano is an American actress, producer, and activist. Along with her acting career, Alyssa's work in activism started in her teenage years. From running her podcast Sorry Not Sorry to being an outspoken celebrity figure her advancement of #MeToo sparked a viral movement of women fighting against sexual harassment and assault and she has been involved in TimesUp since its inception.
Jeezy/Street Dreamz Foundation
Executive Producer
Rapper & Founder
Jeezy is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor. In 2001, the Grammy nominated multi-platinum music artist created the Street Dreamz Foundation to provide aide and opportunity to underserved communities worldwide.
The Street Dreamz Foundation is a non-profit organization that encourages a generation of at-risk youth to become effective leaders through programs that foster independence and respect for others, while educating and motivating each child to reach their ultimate potential in their area of interest.
Marian McClendon
Executive Producer / Team
Marian McClendon is an advocate for women and children and is involved in several organizations which serve to bring awareness and aid to survivors and children still suffering with challenges. She currently serves on two boards. KnowAutism which aids families with diagnostic aid as well as long term therapy and support for those children living their lives on the spectrum. She also serves on the board of Stopping Traffic, an organization dedicated to awareness, aid and support of survivors of human slavery and sex trafficking. She is also involved with the Houston 20- a group whose sole mission is to end sex trafficking and to help survivors get the help they need to thrive. She is married to Bruce McClendon and has 2 stepchildren and 3 (soon to be
4) grandchildren all living in the Houston, TX area.Heather Badal
Executive Producer / Team
Heather is passionate about creating opportunities for others. She worked at Intel Corporation for 11 years where she developed the Corporation’s first Supplier Diversity Program. The program was instrumental in helping minority and woman owned businesses support High Tech companies across the United States. The next decade she expand her mobile medical company to provide medical services to over 30 hospitals across Texas, Colorado, Arizona and Nevada. In 2011, Heather opened Flawless, a Medical Wellness Spa and has dedicated her spare time to raising awareness of Sex Trafficking and supporting the Arts. A financial supporter for both films, Stopping Traffic and Stopping Traffic 2, Heather now serves as Executive Producer.
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