Film shot in Mich. exposes national crisis of sex trafficking

(FOX 2) - Sex trafficking has been a hidden crisis for years - and Michigan ranks number 2 in sex trafficking cases in America. 

A new film is hoping to expose the national crisis and raise awareness about human sex trafficking. 

"Ring of Silence" was filmed right here in Michigan, and the crews relied on businesses and homes, and even Goodrich High School to bring the film to life. FOX 2's Alan Longstreet even has a role in the film. 

"When I started researching it, I met with FBI; I met with victims; I met with the police. And just to try to really get an understanding of the scope," said the film's writer and director, Nicole Wallace. "We needed to get a message out to our youth."

The film explores various forms of sex trafficking - and how the way it often happens is surprising. It's not also the case that the victim gets "taken," but more so that they're coerced into this world. 

"Our lead character, we follow her journey. She's a typical, normal suburban girl that's going to high school," Wallace says. She meets a "boyfriend" online who ends up trafficking her. 

Alan plays the role of the girl's teacher, Mr. Clark. 

"I think it's important that we educate our youth and it's important that they understand that this is not just some fictional movie story. This is a real thing," Wallace said. 

"Ring of Silence" is showing this weekend, March 1-3 at the Emagine Theater in Royal Oak. All three showings are at 7 p.m. You can get more info about the film and additional screenings online here.