OUR FILM
A visit to a skate shop triggers Sofia into a world where she must follow the clues to break free from her past.
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DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
- James Baldwin
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The day before I turned seventeen I decided to go on a trip that would alter my life forever. Unbeknownst to me, my “friends” set me up to be kidnapped and sold into human trafficking.
Confessing that is still painful, even after all the work I’ve done to recover from the abuse I endured for 3 years. At this point I only know that I’ve experienced these things when my body is overwhelmed by emotions that I can’t explain aka PTSD. Sensory memories linger in my physical being that are triggered by smells or sounds.
Since escaping from that life, I have worked on healing through therapy, a wonderful support group for women who have gone through similar sexual abuse. They’ve helped me understand my trauma stemming from childhood.
The goal with this film is to empower, release shame and reclaim innocence. To be at the forefront of change so that this doesn’t continue happening to our girls. To offer the power of support.
TEAM
NICOLE MEJIA
DIRECTOR
AHMAD ALERWI
PRODUCER
SETH MACMILLAN
CINEMATOGRAPHER
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GUANGPING 'BEN' NIU
EDITOR
CONTRIBUTE
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO MAKE THIS FILM A REALITY
As fellows of the American Film Institute Conservatory, we strive to make our films up to industry standards.
All donations go towards the making of the film at the highest quality and maintaining a professional environment for our cast and crew.
ALL DONATIONS MAY BE TAX DEDUCTIBLE
The American Film Institute is a government recognized 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization and holds tax exempt status. Donations made towards MY LIFE STOPPED AT FIFTEEN may be tax deductible under Section 170 of the U.S. Tax Code. A letter of acknowledgement from AFI will be sent for all contributions.