BOLDTFEST INCUBATOR PROJECT: TYPICALLY TRAFFICKED, AWARDED $5,000 GRANT

Photo provided by Laura Costa, the Filmmaker & Writer.

Press release from Access Humboldt:

Grant award ceremony at 11am Saturday June 27 at Carson Park ahead of the Annual Walk Against Human Trafficking: 

EUREKA, Calif. — Soroptimist International of Humboldt Bay will present a $5,000 grant to Access Humboldt and the creative team behind Typically Trafficked on Saturday, June 27 at 11am at Carson Park, ahead of the Annual Walk Against Human Trafficking.

Typically Trafficked is a ten-minute narrative short film written by Laura Costa and Edrie Black, with cinematography by UCLA- 2013 Film School Graduate Zach Macias. The film is based on the true story of Edrie Black, a member of the Karuk Tribe of Northern California, who in 2010 was taken from a party on Eureka’s west side, trafficked, escaped, and has since put her experience into action on behalf of survivors. It is narrated in part by Thalia Costa Black, age 11, Edrie’s daughter and a Karuk descendant.

The film’s script was selected as a finalist for BOLDtFEST, Access Humboldt’s year-round short film incubator that produces short films from ten selected screenplays.  This script to screen educational program culminates in a red-carpet premiere at the historic Eureka Theater on October 16th.

Soroptimist International of Humboldt Bay is a local chapter of a global volunteer organization whose mission is to provide women and girls with access to education and the resources they need to achieve economic empowerment. With a decades-long commitment to raising awareness, supporting survivors, and advocating for stronger anti-trafficking protections, this grant reflects their mission in direct action. Soroptimist International of Humboldt Bay will be honored in the opening and closing credits of the film. To learn more visit soroptimistofhumboldtbay.com.

“I spent years trying to put this behind me,” said Edrie Black, survivor, co-writer, and subject of the film. “Now I understand that telling this story is how I protect the next girl. Through Soroptimist’s support, we hope to reach girls far beyond our own community.”

“Access Humboldt does more than platforming local voices,” said Christina Jeffers, Executive Director of Access Humboldt. “We educate and train locals to use their voice in a meaningful way.  This film is survivor-led, community-rooted, and exactly the kind of project we are here to support. We are grateful to Soroptimist International of Humboldt Bay for supporting our local filmmakers and helping bring this authentic, local story to the screen.”

The Annual Walk Against Human Trafficking takes place Saturday, June 27 from 12:00 to 2:00pm at Carson Park in Eureka. Community members are welcome to join survivors, advocates, and local organizations. The grant award ceremony takes place at 11am as the community gathers ahead of the walk.

Typically Trafficked is currently seeking a second underwriter to complete Phase II production. Those interested in supporting the film may contact Access Humboldt at [email protected] or visit accesshumboldt.net.