I met Rachel about a month ago and she’s doing something pretty remarkable. Read for yourself.

4. Tell a bit about the SOLD Project.
SOLD is a documentary that will expose the truth behind child sex slavery. All around the world there are children being bought and sold into a life of sex slavery each and everyday. These children have no freedom, no childhood, and no voice. We hope to give them that voice by telling their stories. We are a group of 20 somethings on a journey of our own to learn why it is happening, how it is happening, and what we can do about it. We are traveling to Thailand this summer to shoot the film. Upon returning we will finish the film and go on tour nationwide to colleges, churches, and other appropriate venues to show our generation what is happening in the world. Then we will urge and empower the viewers into action.

3. How much experience do you have in making documentaries?
Funny you should ask. I, Rachel, have NO experience in making
documentaries. I am a Youth Ministry and Business major from small town Indiana. However, my father is the President of Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis, IN. So… I have been raised to understand the impact that media has upon us and what an amazing tool it is. He has been my number one fan through this entire experience and has provided me many connections with filmmakers who have taken me under their wing. The rest of my crew, however, are all experienced filmmakers. My director is an award winning filmmaker… my cinematographer has a lot of experience in documentary work, and the rest of us… well we live for adventure and for pursuing our passions. Mine, just happens to be to create awareness about this issue… and what better way then through film?

2. You say you’re going to Thailand. Is that where child sex slavery is at its worst? Is this a big issue in the US?
Sadly, NO country is immune to child sex slavery. You may be alarmed to learn that It exists right here in US, it exists from NYC to LA and every small town in between. However, Thailand- more specifically SouthEast Asia- is a primary spot for child sex tourism. We are going to find a story, and felt that going to the place where it is most “in your face” and accessible would make it easier to get that story. Our film will mainly be in Thailand, but at the end we will bring it home and show the truth of what is happening right here in the USA. I hate to drop stats… but sometimes that is the best way to put it in perspective. There are an estimated 27 million people enslaved in the world today. Of those 27 million 80% are children… the majority of which are sexually exploited in some form. Whether that means selling their bodies in brothels night after night or being held captive by their owner for sexually purposes. Children have the right to grow up in security, innocence, and surrounded by love… these children do not have any of that. They have no freedom, no childhood, no voice… theSOLDproject wants to give them that voice.

1. Something like this must cost a lot of money. How are you
financing the whole operation? Out of pocket? Loans? Donations?
Any film costs a lot of money… as I have come to find out through this process! There is just so many details involved. As for us, we are trying to keep this a low budget film, however, the more money we raise the better it will be. Our budget is around $150,000… which to any 24 year old… well lets say I wanted to cry. Anyway, we are raising our funds through friends, families, corporate sponsors, grants, and my finances are taking quite a beating… but it is worth every penny and every tear. Since March of this year we have raised over $50,000, mostly from friends and family. However, we raised over $1,000 at a youth conference I spoke at full of high school students moved to give and we raised over $800 at a Benefit Concert in NYC at a local bar the other night. So… we are very pleased and grateful for people’s generosity! PS… all gifts are tax exempt and can be made on our website (www.thesoldproject.com)

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