Anyone who believes they are entirely disconnected from human trafficking should think again; it is as frightening as it sounds and is everywhere. Those who prey on vulnerable young girls have many manipulative abilities unknown to the victims and to most of the public at large. Enter Maya, a dramatic film written and directed by Julia Verdin, which reveals all the nuances, behaviors, and unsavory characteristics that allow sex trafficking to occur and continue to exist.
Maya (Isabella Feliciana) is a blossoming and slightly naive Hispanic teenager with loyal and trustworthy girlfriends. She also has a few suitors to choose from. A thriving art student and intelligent, with teachers supporting her capabilities, Maya has an oppressed and emotionally unstable home life due to a father who abandoned her. Her alcoholic mother, Camila (Patricia Velasquez), is now with the abusive Diego (Gian Franco Rodriguez), who beats her mother and makes advances on Maya, who can’t stand any of it.

“Under the iron rule of Ray, Maya has no alternatives and is trapped in a life of sex trafficking.”
Maya feels unloved and dejected, so she posts about her woes on social media. Like a knight in shining armor, Ray (Bill Budinich) claims to understand the girl and offers an ear. Though his age concerns her, Ray eventually wins Maya over due to charm and a showering of gifts, clothes, the promise of protection, escape, and a trip to Las Vegas. Ray’s ownership over Maya takes hold, and the relationship, which Maya thought of as a girlfriend and boyfriend, becomes that of a pimp and sex worker. Ray demands Maya perform sexual acts while drugging her and working with his other sex worker, Kayla (Rumer Willis), who tries to befriend Maya. The abuse and degenerative existence of sex work leave Kayla dead and Maya disheartened and apathetic. Under the iron rule of Ray, Maya has no alternatives and is trapped in a life of sex trafficking.
Maya is an important film with great value for those who need to learn about this highly destructive underworld in our society. The message is its strength, which makes sense given the film is a social impact narrative feature made by Artists For Change. The organization raises awareness of critical social issues, including the adverse effects of domestic violence in the home, the dangers of alcoholism and drug abuse, child abuse, and child trafficking. The message, especially after Camilla sobers up, overcomes the mediocre acting and apparent low budget, although the character of Kayla makes a lasting impression.
Maya contains many elements that add to a comprehensive story that needs to be told for the world to know. The filmmaker does what she can to highlight this critical issue, and at that, Verdin and the film are most successful.