Very Young Girls is a 2007 documentary film that chronicles the lives of teenage girls who have been victimized by commercial sexual exploitation in New York City. The film is directed by David Schisgall and produced by Nina Alvarez, and features Laura Guzman and Rachel Lloyd as advocates for the young girls. The film follows the stories of several young girls, all of whom have been lured into prostitution at a very young age. Some of the girls are runaways or have been kicked out of their homes, while others come from broken homes where they have been subject to physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Regardless of their background, these girls are all vulnerable to the predatory men who exploit them for their own financial gain.
The film depicts the girls' experiences in vivid detail, showing how they are often coerced into performing sexual acts for money and are subjected to physical and emotional abuse by their pimps. We witness their struggles to break free from the cycle of exploitation, as well as the efforts of organizations like GEMS (Girls Educational and Mentoring Services) and activists like Rachel Lloyd to support and empower them.
Very Young Girls exposes the pervasive nature of commercial sexual exploitation in New York City, and the ways in which it preys upon vulnerable young girls. It highlights the need for greater awareness and prevention efforts, as well as the importance of providing resources and support for girls who have already been victimized.
Throughout the film, we see the incredible resilience and strength of the girls who are fighting to reclaim their lives and overcome the trauma of their experiences. We also witness the transformative impact that community and support can have on their lives, as they begin to heal and envision a brighter future for themselves.
Overall, Very Young Girls is a powerful and compelling documentary that sheds light on a dark and often overlooked aspect of our society. It is a call to action for all of us to stand up against the exploitation of vulnerable young girls, and to support those who are already struggling to find their way out of it.
Very Young Girls is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.