Co-producers of hit movie "God's Not Dead" debut another film, "Caged No More," on Friday, Jan. 22, to raise awareness of human trafficking, aid in connecting anti-trafficking organizations and equip parents, schools and churches to assist in preventing such trafficking. People of faith are threaded throughout the plot.
An estimated 27 million people are believed to be enslaved worldwide. UNICEF sources indicate 1.2 million children are trafficked each year.
The movie stars Kevin Sorbo, Emmy-Award winner Loretta Devine, Alan Powell and Cassidy Gifford, with appearances by Kathie Lee Gifford, Gov. Bobby Jindal and Natalie Grant.
Inspired by real events, "Caged No More" tells the story of Aggie Prejean, a grandmother on a desperate search to find her two granddaughters, Skye and Elle, who have been kidnapped by their sinister father. As the details behind the girls' disappearance begin to unravel, it's discovered he has taken them overseas to be sold into slavery to settle his drug debt. Aggie enlists the help of the girls' uncle, a well-respected local philanthropist, and his son Wil, who is former Special Forces. A global hunt ensues, and the team will stop at nothing to see the girls safely returned home. Aggie's heart is hopeful, and she is "filled with God's peace that the girls will be saved."
The movie, according to its creators, is a drama meant to engage and educate audiences on the realities of human trafficking.
"This film does a remarkable job in portraying the ugly truth about trafficking. As a former Special Operations expert now dedicating my life to rescuing children here and abroad, I wholeheartedly endorse the message of CAGED NO MORE. It's a film every family must see," said Tony Sparks, Phantom Rescue.
"Caged" was written by Molly Venzke. Lisa Arnold served as producer, director and writer, and Jarred Coates was co-producer.
Human trafficking is seen as the world's fastest-growing sex crime.
NBC's Today show Kathie Lee Gifford has been involved for years in trying to halt human trafficking, and and she recorded a personal message to encourage people to join the "freedom fighters" effort.
On the movie's Facebook page, a person who said she was a previous trafficking victim, Nadja Piatka, posted Tuesday: "So glad to see a film has been made about human trafficking in this country. It is real and has been happening for decades. I was kidnapped by human traffickers when I was a student on Spring break in Fort Lauderdale. There is a very small window to escape in these situations and I was able to get away within a few hours of my abduction. Whether it was luck or wit, or a combination of both, that I was able to get away. I believe God had other plans for me and I have lived my life to the fullest and with gratitude ever since. I hope the film bring awareness to human trafficking, helps prevent more abductions and most of all honors the girls that didn't get away."
"Caged No More" is part of a trilogy.
Loretta Devine stars in ''Caged No More,'' a new movie premiering Jan. 22, 2016, which has Christians taking steps to halt human sex trafficking.
