Saving Zoë film aims to save lives from human trafficking

While in NYC for the summer, I had the pleasure of attending a screening of the new film Saving Zoë, which strikes up an important conversation about online sex trafficking and cyber-exploitation.

Presented by The MOMS & Equality Now the screening took place at the uber-hip 1 Hotel in Brooklyn, which has a rooftop bar that overlooks the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.

The MOMS Denise Albert, actresses Laura Marano, Vanessa Marano, producer, author Alyson Noël and MOMS Melissa Gerstein

The indie film stars real-life sisters Laura Marano (Austin & Ally) and Vanessa Marano (Gilmore Girls, Switched at Birth). Based on Alyson Noël's teen novel, Saving Zoe the story takes place one year after the murder of Zoe. A freshman in high school, her sister Echo is still reeling from the tragedy and uncovers the truth about her big sister's secret life by reading Zoe's diary.

Did I like it? Yes! 

Although it started a little slow and at times felt like an after school special or a teen flick, but as the suspense built, I was soon squirming in my seat wondering what would happen next. Also, having real sisters play the two main roles helped make their bond and relationship all that more realistic. Their acting was also quite powerful, especially in the scenes dealing with their grief and sexual victimization.

Me attending The MOMS screening of Saving Zoe

The Marano sisters not only star in the film but produced it too. After reading the YA novel 12 years ago, they bought the film rights option and brought the story to life...it just took awhile. They were repeatedly told that this is not a topic that teen girls would be interested in. Yet, they were teen girls at the time. Ugh. More power to them for persevering to get this film made and for raising awareness of these important issues.

Laura and Vanessa Marano

Confession: I used to watch Switched at Birth on ABC Family now FreeForm :)