‘It’s Right Here in Our Own Backyard’: This Heartbreaking New Human Trafficking Movie is Saving Lives Closer to Home Than You Think
Inspired by true stories, 'Still Hope' raises human trafficking awareness and reveals the faith-filled road to healing after rescue
When film director Richie Johns and producer Bethany Johns first connected with strategic partner and co-founder of Pure Hope Foundation, Kathrine Lee, they heard the stories of young women who had survived human trafficking. Immediately, they knew their voices deserved to be heard far beyond closed doors and whispered conversations.
The calling on each of their hearts became Still Hope, a powerful new film that brings the unseen journey of healing after trafficking into the light — and reminds viewers that freedom is only the beginning.
Inspired by true survivor stories, Still Hope follows a 16-year-old, Hope, whose life unravels after someone she trusts puts her in harm’s way. Forced into sex trafficking and stripped of her identity, Hope ultimately escapes. But she soon learns that reclaiming her life and sense of worth is a journey all its own.
For everyone involved in making the film, telling the story of the messy, painful and courageous road to restoration was essential.
Road to redemption
For Lee, ensuring this film saw the light of day was a mission she believes God called her to. “When God first put working in this space on my heart, He spoke to me that the women’s stories are not their identity. So we never had our young women share their stories, and God also spoke to my heart that there would be a remnant and they would come to me,” she says.
“Then two women came to me and said, ‘We want to share our story and we know you want to protect us.’
“Still Hope began with two courageous young women who were willing to tell their stories. We wanted to honor them by telling the truth — about the darkness, but also about the dignity, strength and beauty on the other side of survival.
“My favorite moment was watching them meet Luna on the set,” Kathrine says. “Watching them walk up and see her embrace them — there was such strength and beauty between the three of them.”
“I felt very honored to meet the people who inspired this story. It was a beautiful moment for me, it tied the entire experience together,” said Luna Rivera, who plays Hope.
Change on the horizon
That honest storytelling has struck a chord with faith leaders, advocates and artists alike. Tim Tebow, founder and chairman of the Tim Tebow Foundation, says the film is a reminder that this crisis hits closer to home than many realize.
“Human trafficking is a heartbreaking reality, but it’s not just on the other side of the world; it’s right here in our own backyard,” Tebow shares. “Stories like Still Hope remind us why we cannot look away — and why walking alongside survivors with compassion truly matters.”
Natalie Grant, nine-time Grammy nominee and founder of Hope for Justice, agrees, calling the film a catalyst for change.
“I love a compelling story, but this is so much more than great art,” Grant says. “Still Hope is based on the real reality of human trafficking, and I pray that as people watch, they’ll be moved to action.”
Author and podcaster Annie F. Downs echoes that sentiment, praising the film’s depth and heart. “It’s educational and powerful — and such a beautifully told story about freedom, restoration and healing,” she says. “It’s deep, and it stays with you.”
How you can help the fight against human trafficking
Many films that cover this tragic topic focus solely on the rescue of the victim, but Still Hope continues the story to reveal the bravery it takes for survivors to rediscover their purpose and reconnect with their identity after they’ve been saved.
“We had to dive into the darkness, which is challenging and hard, and it’s uncomfortable to watch at points. But I’m so glad that I was given the freedom to tell a darker story,” says Richie. “Because that’s the only way to truly show healing.”
“There’s a lot of awareness without action, and not that awareness is bad, but we’ve missed the mark if we’ve only brought awareness. It was important to us to show the spectrum of care. There are multiple ways for you to be involved in the fight against trafficking,” says Bethany.
Finding and rescuing victims is not the only way to help them on this journey towards freedom and healing. As the founder of Pure Hope Foundation, which helps restore the lives of survivors, Kathrine shares practical ways you can get involved with the fight against trafficking.
1. Share your own healing journey
“Ask God, ‘Who do I need to forgive and can I meet other people where they are in their own healing journey? It starts with our own personal revival.
2. Volunteer
“We wash a lot of dishes, and we always say, ‘It is worked out in the pots and pans of life.’ Can you cook? Can you bake? Can you make a pizza? None of us can do it all. Everybody can bring what they are good at. Some of our most impactful people are volunteers.
3. Donate
Any amount goes a long way in sustaining the organizations that help women out of trafficking and provide them with care and hope after they’ve been rescued. Find a local organization that you can invest in by going to the National Human Trafficking Hotline or consider donating to the Pure Hope Foundation to further their mission.
Still Hope arrives in theaters nationwide February 5-9, 2026, with showings available through Fathom Entertainment and participating theater box offices (locations may vary). A portion of every ticket sold will directly benefit organizations and ministries working to combat human trafficking and support survivors on their path to healing.
For ticket information and resources on how to help, visit stillhopemovie.com and stillhopemovie.com/resources.
As we are reminded through this powerful film, hope doesn’t end with survival. Sometimes, that’s where it just begins.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911. For anonymous support, resources, or to report a tip 24/7, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, text “HELP” to 233733 (BEFREE), or visit HumanTraffickingHotline.org. For those seeking specialized restorative care and healing resources, you can also reach out to the Pure Hope Foundation to learn how to support survivors on their journey to freedom.
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