Back in August I wrote a post about a film by Whitestone Motion Pictures called The Candy Shop, which was to be released in November.  Starring Pan’s Labyrinth’s Doug Jones, this fantasy genre film is now available for viewing!  Before giving my review on the film, I encourage you to watch the trailer:

The Candy Shop is about 30 minutes in length, and tells the story of sexual exploitation and forced prostitution through fantastical imagery and metaphor.  Set in the dirty thirties, a boy notices that an evil man is snatching girls off the street and transforming them into lollipops for sale at his candy store. The storyline is complemented by creative costumes and a nostalgic set.

I have seen plenty of films about sex trafficking, and I have to say this is one of my new favourites.  Most films and books are from the point of view of the victim of trafficking or the john making a purchase, but the Candy Shop shows us the process of manipulation that experienced traffickers use to lure young boys into the business of selling flesh.

I cannot even imagine the whirlwind of thoughts running through these young boys’ minds when they are presented with the chance to run such a business.

Opportunity.  Money.  Fear.  Temptation. Seduction.  Pride.  Power.  Doubt.

More than anything, this film reminded me that boys need role models.  Though many traffickers are downright greedy and have no regard for human life, others are just a product of the pressures they face and the manipulation they’ve endured.

Whitestone Motion Pictures has done a fantastic job with this film, from beginning to end!  Watch the full film here and cast your vote before December 31 in the Doorpost Film Contest.  Check out director Brandon McCormick’s vision for the film and take a look below for behind the scenes footage.   And of course, do your part to “stop the candy shop.”

Michelle Brock