THE RABBIT HOLE, is a dramatic short film centering around two sisters, Mia (13) and Bella (8). At the beginning of the film, we witness the sisters playing a game where they try to guess the next country they want to escape to, Hawaii. We see their strong sisterly bond and see how much Bella looks up to Mia. We sense some underlying tension between them and their Aunt, whom we just know as Aunty. Mia dreams of supporting herself and Bella, but through traumatic imagery, we see the world of sexual exploitation and abuse that Mia is wrapped up in. Although never stated, it’s heavily implied. The film concludes with a disturbing realization that this dark world has seeped into Bella’s life, threatening to shatter her innocent dreams and childhood.

SITUATION

Having done strictly documentary work, the client wanted to branch into narrative storytelling to increase reach with their production company partner. The production company needed to source a director with the proper experience and skills to accomplish this.

BRIEF

The production company approached the directors directly to create a short film highlighting the world of child sex trafficking. The directors were tasked with extensive research into the world of sexual exploitation and abuse. They were then tasked with writing an emotionally compelling short script that accurately portrayed and reflected this world.

OBJECTIVES

Create an accurate depiction of the cycle of child sexual exploitation and abuse in Latin America while simultaneously building empathy with the characters and a strong emotional connection with the viewers. Establish how grooming, exploitation, and abuse function in a web of poverty and trauma, fueled by capitalism.

IMPACT

Upon its release, The Rabbit Hole raised slightly over $500,000 for the rescue and rehabilitation of trafficking victims.

REACH

Shared with over 1,299,105 individuals, predominately in North and South America.

ENGAGEMENT

Won Vimeo Staff Pick, 1.4, One Screen and One Show, Anthem Award, Director’s Notes Premiere.

CHANGE IN BEHAVIOR

Created a platform to discuss child trafficking and the grooming of minors, as well as the subculture of sex tourism and how it fuels underage trafficking. Challenges biases and perceptions around trafficking, age of consent, sex tourism, and the grooming of children.

BRAND PERCEPTION

As measured through informal surveys and one-on-one input, we are seeing the Rabbit Hole successfully challenge perspectives around child trafficking separating truth from myth.

ACHIEVEMENT AGAINST OBJECTIVES

Opened a Latin American Rescue Home out of film proceeds.

Realized increase of 645% greater reach than 2022's campaign.

Sex tourism is a global phenomenon, and Latin America is a trending destination for tourists looking to exploit young girls. In a region riddled with teenage, single-parent households, Latin America is a perfect breeding ground for traffickers. The younger a girl is, the more a client will pay. Traffickers target and begin grooming early. As is true all over the world, poverty is a powerful force fueling human trafficking. Traffickers target girls who have needs they can’t meet on their own. They promise them help, and in bait and switch, hand them a life of slavery. When a single teen mom has no way to pay for food, diapers or a home for her child, traffickers step in. This short film was made with these components in mind and this cultural context influences the audience whether they are aware of the full implications of it or not.