“Sold” is a film compelling story that spotlights the horrific business of sex trafficking. The age of girls trafficked for sex between the Nepal and India is between the ages of 13-16 years old or younger.

Based on the book, by Patricia McCormick, Sold, shares the story of a girl, Lakshmi, who hopes for a better life by moving to India for a new job. Hopes became dim after the youth found that she was recruited into a prison brothel with no escape. A U.S. photographer, played by Gillian Anderson, learns about Lakshmi and leads efforts to rescue her into states.

Director Jeffery Brown traveled to India as kid and when he read the book it rekindled his love of the country and the children who are desperate for help.  Brown was inspired by the documentary “Born into Brothels.” The film shows the children of sex workers in Sonagachi, Asia’s largest red-light district in Kolkata, India. It also revealed how what the charity Hope House was doing for these kids, by creating a school to educate and protect those who’ve escaped. “I was so moved by their tenacity, their energy, strength and determination to have a wonderful life. I was inspired by the kids in the movie and the philanthropic work that the film makers raised funds to educate the kids in the film.”

Brown left the theater, and looked up towards the sky and said “I am ready for my next assignment, universe.” Then, the film “Sold” came to him and he worked to retool the script after the adaption from the book to make it a movie of hope and forgiveness, not purely revenge. They were able to get actress and executive producer Emma Thomson on board, and her stamp of approval was helpful to launch the project, and funding flowed.

Actress Seirah Royin stars as Mrs. Tripathi, the Hope House director in the movie. Jeff did far more than making a film, and the first time she met with Jeffery was to talk about his vision she offered.

“It was how much this film could impact people all over the world. Very rarely do you get to be part of a project that can have such far-reaching consequences. For me, it became part of the same mission to do more than show up on set and do my part and then walk away, ”said Royin, also an associate producer in the film.

The problem with sex trafficking is not just in India, it’s in our backyard. “Our hope is that the film will foster global policy change and raise substantial funds for survivors in India, Nepal and the United States.” said Brown.

Audiences members are walking away from the film asking ‘How can they can help and “What more can I do after leaving the theater?

This is how. Brown and producer Jane Charles have created a platform where organizations have partnered with the movie. Non-profits like World Vision, Childreach International, Save the Children, United Way, Stolen Youth, and ECPAT are using the film as a tool to increase awareness to trafficking. Make sure to check them out.

Find out more about the importance of “Sold.”