Very Young Girls

Very Young Girls is a profound and hard-hitting documentary of 2007, directed by David Schisgall. This gripping narrative stars Laura Guzman and Rachel Lloyd, two determined women at the forefront of a battle against child sex trafficking in New York City.

This critically acclaimed and award-winning documentary dives deep into the harsh realities of underage commercial sexual exploitation. Very Young Girls follows the lives of several teenage girls who have been lured into the world of sex trafficking. The film provides a breathtaking juxtaposition of the innocent youth of these girls against the dreariness and brutality of their circumstances.

Laura Guzman and Rachel Lloyd play substantial roles as both activators and protectors within this daunting scenario. Guzman, a social worker, tirelessly works to rehabilitate the victims and help them reclaim their lives. Lloyd, a former sex trafficking victim, is the founder of Girls Educational and Mentoring Services (GEMS), an organization that serves girls and young women who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking.

At the heart of Very Young Girls are the real stories told by the girls themselves. It provides these unvarnished profiles of bravery and resilience, giving us a window into the struggles they face as they attempt to get out of 'the life' - an insider term for the sex trade. It's a haunting depiction of the coercion and violence that the society-inflicted pimps use to control these girls.

Very Young Girls contrasts the girls' personal insights with shocking footage shot by pimps themselves - unwittingly providing a disturbingly candid look into how these operations work. The documentary's uncomfortable exposure presents a stark contrast to the exploitation trope often glorified in popular culture, challenging the viewer's understanding and perception of what it means to be a pimp or a trafficked girl.

The movie's strength lies in its unflinching honesty. It does not romanticize or sugarcoat the issue but exposes it for what it is - a grim violation of human rights.

While the documentary is set predominantly in New York, the issue it tackles is one that resonates globally. The subject matter, though it inevitably enters into the domain of despair, does not leave the viewer hopeless. On the contrary, Very Young Girls is a clarion call to action, raising awareness about an issue too often swept under the carpet.

Guzman and Lloyd's tireless advocacy and hands-on interventionist work is no less than inspiring and showcase what it truly means to battle against all odds. They provide the girls with the help they need to extract themselves from this harmful environment - not without struggle, but certainly with hope.

Very Young Girls is a potent mix of heartbreaking narratives and uncompromising truths, an indictment of a society that has let its most vulnerable members fall through the cracks. It's an emotional roller coaster, with scenes that will infuriate you, move you, and inspire you all at once.

For viewers that lean into the discomfort, Very Young Girls provides not just awareness, but a path towards understanding. It highlights the circumstances leading to sexual exploitation and the aftermath. The stories of the girls' wrestle and the inspiring journey of their recovery portray a stark, yet extremely crucial, reality of our society.

In essence, Very Young Girls serves as a testament to human resilience and the enduring spirit of these young girls. It's both depressing and uplifting, somber and inspiring, reflecting the complexity of the issue it explores.

Overall, Very Young Girls is a compelling exposition of a dark underside of society that's too often ignored. It is not just a film; it is a call to action, a plea for compassion, and above all, a beacon of hope for those trapped in dire circumstances. Take a deep breath and brace yourself as you dive into this deeply affecting documentary and emerge edified, sensitized, and perhaps more human than before.