Hidden Gem (2019)

The short film, Hidden Gem, is inspired on two different stories inspired by actual events in the U.S. One is of timid travelers who stop at a gas station/convenience store and are confronted with the reality of sex trafficking, but don't know what that looks like. They must quickly decide the best way to help save someone who does not appear to desire freedom - or does she? A high school girl met a handsome young man at a party who lavishes her with the attention she craves and expensive gifts. She is smitten and living the dream, but what happens next will become her worst nightmare. How was she groomed so easily and didn't see it coming? Hidden Gem depicts what could be a common intersection of any of us with a victim of human trafficking and demonstrates that awareness of something being wrong and lead to action which can save a life. We too often devalue awareness as not DOING enough, but awareness empowers us and encourages action. If you SEE SOMETHING - SAY SOMETHING.