“We believe powerful stories, well-told, enrich lives and cultures.”
This is the mission statement of One Door Studios, a film production company dedicated to bringing these kinds of enriching stories to life.
Here at the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, we also believe in the ability for well-told stories to change culture and shine a light on the realities of sexual exploitation. Not only do these stories provide the opportunity to bring a greater awareness to these issues, but they also come with the unique responsibility to ensure the very real issues of exploitation are not misconstrued or inaccurate.
Especially in the last few months, sex trafficking and sexual exploitation have become hot topics in the public mainstream conversation, and with that newfound public awareness came many conspiracy theories and other inaccurate and even harmful misinformation.
That is why we are incredibly honored and excited to share some news with you: NCOSE is partnering with One Door Studios as they work on developing the screenplay for their latest film, Calculated.
Calculated is the story of a young math prodigy who uses her gifts in unexpected ways. The film’s tagline reads:
“When 17 year-old math prodigy Jo is taken captive by the world’s most dangerous smugglers, she must use her gift for much more than just escape.”
The movie’s young character is exposed to the dark realities of sex trafficking and human exploitation in her journey. Instead of allowing stereotypes and glorified, dramatic depictions of international human trafficking, One Door Studios is taking the commendable path by choosing to ensure they do not further spread inaccurate information and sensationalized depictions of trafficking as they write the screenplay.
While this movie is fictional, NCOSE will be working closely with One Door Studios as they work on the screenplay to ensure the trials the young protagonist goes through remain as accurate as possible, without excessive exaggeration or other misrepresentations.
We believe in the power of compelling storytelling to truly make a difference in changing both minds and hearts, and know this film will help raise not only public awareness of a critical issue, but educate and honor the victims of real-life trafficking and exploitation.
Interested in helping bring this story to life? Production is ready to go, but One Door Studios is still looking for funding for the development of the screenplay. If you too believe in a world where responsibly, well-told stories can make a difference, please consider donating to this project here. NCOSE receives 50% of every donation through this link!
Without you and your passion, our work would not be possible! Thank you for your dedication to creating a world free from sexual exploitation, whether it’s through policy, corporate advocacy, legislation, or even through the simple act of telling a story.
No matter how involved you are able to be in this moment, hold on to hope! Victories are being won in these dark spaces and momentum is growing to see them eradicated entirely.
So let’s stay the course and continue to build a world free from sexual exploitation!
