“WAKE UP originated when I heard a young woman share her story of being trafficked at an event for Forever Found, an anti-trafficking nonprofit. As I sat and listened, I was forever changed, and I wished I could bring the whole world into that room with me. I thought if everyone heard this young survivor’s story, they would feel as I did: we have to stop this. WAKE UP is my way of inviting the world into that room. I chose to make a narrative feature film to reach audiences who might not otherwise hear about trafficking but would watch a crime-thriller.
Inspired by the award-winning movie CRASH and the blockbuster TAKEN, WAKE UP shows how lives intersect and impact each other in the terrifying world of human trafficking. It’s not a story of good versus evil, but of people capable of both. I’m so grateful for the talented team that came together to make this project a reality, including the many subject-matter experts who joined us on the journey. At the end of the film, Rachel C. Thomas, survivor, educator, and spokesperson, shares a glimpse into her own story, and calls audiences to join us in the hope that together we can WAKE UP and bring hope, healing, and freedom to kids around the world.”
-Janet Craig, Director, Producer, Co-Writer, and Actress