Wake Up

I have seen this movie twice now and the emotions you go through watching it and afterward thinking about how easily entangled the youth are in this type of setup are heart wrenching. This movie is gripping, thrilling and really makes you angry at the absolute depravity around our world and even right in our very own neighborhoods. The intersection of the porn industry and foster and vulnerable youth and the trafficking not to mention the buyers of sex is very eye opening. I love Janet Craig's heart to write, produce and act in this film and entreat others to get involved locally with organizations in the fight against trafficking. Don't miss this film!

Wake Up is a gripping and heart-wrenching film that delves into the horrifying reality of human trafficking. The story shines a light on the exploitation of vulnerable youth, particularly those in the foster care system. Janet Craig's portrayal is raw and compelling, driving home the urgency of this issue. Issac Singleton also delivers a powerful performance as Officer Tanner, adding depth to the narrative. The film is a call to action, urging viewers to confront and combat this ongoing crisis. It's a must-watch that leaves a lasting impact, opening eyes to the harsh truths that are often ignored.

As someone who works on the prevention of human trafficking and incorporates film for raising awareness and educating parents and young people about the threats to children, I found Wake Up by Janet Craig essential viewing for anyone who wants to know what domestic trafficking looks like. There is no single way trafficking and other forms of exploitation occur and not one type of person sought, but as one of the demographics most targeted is children in the foster care system, this film hits the gut, exposing the threats to those children who age out of the system and are actively preyed upon by traffickers. This film balances the heartbreak with hope - that when this growing threat to our most vulnerable family and commuinity members is seen, understood and taken seriously, we can prevent and reclaim those at risk. A judge in Los Angeles who oversaw the juveline court that saw a stream of trafficked girls come before her, told me that if do not demonstrate our will to stick with those who are exploited, we will lose them to the traffickers who do not give up. These children have become commodities to be exploited, and as long as there are men who are willing to priotitize personal pleasure and wealth over the future that breathes through our children, we will bear more of the heartbreak and less of the hope. Watch this film, wake up, and take a stand.

There is no shortage of human trafficking movies out there. They all center around underaged girls being exploited and trafficked by a group of men referred to as "coyotes". This film, like the others, has plenty of that. What makes this film stand out is in its ability to justify the antagonists' motivations. No antagonist ever considers themselves a villain. But it's the villains-one in particular's motivations that are (no spoilers) revealed to be the most tragic and compelling. This is a human-trafficking frontrunner worthy of the likes of heavily-praised "Trafficked" and the decent (although corporately maligned) "The Sound of Freedom". David Gridley offers a standout performance. O'Shay Neal is terrifying. Janet Craig's psycho-sexual thriller pulls no punches in this unflinching expose on merciless sexual servitude. With twists galore, it's that final uppercut to the gut that stays with you long after the credits roil.

"Wake Up" is a must see film! Janet Craig kept it real, and yet, it is not even close to the reality we want to turn a blind eye to everyday. After seeing it the first time, it took several days to process. Human trafficking is real people, and it is right under our noses all around. There is no greater form of slavery today. The more we spread the word and educate people, the more we can fight the battle against trafficking. "Wake Up" is a powerful tool in helping to spread that word. The acting and quality are excellent. Tell everyone you know and go see it when it hits theaters! Be ready to "Wake Up"!