Lost In America is a dramatic documentary directed and produced by filmmaker Rotimi Rainwater who was unhoused as a youth. This important film reveals how many young people are displaced and brought into sex trafficking. There is little governmental intervention. However, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) put forth a bill known as the Runaway Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act that passed in the Senate and paved the way to find solutions to the problem.
Since then, there have been independent foundations established by celebrities. Miley Cyrus founded the Happy Hippie Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to fight for injustice facing homeless youth, LGBTQ youth, and other vulnerable populations. Jewel, Rosario Dawson, and others are joining the fight to combat youth homelessness in the United States.
One of the celebrities featured in this film is the actress-comedian Tiffany Haddish who was at one point a victim of the failed foster care system and lived out of her car before she became famous. Halle Berry also used to live in a homeless shelter. Singer-activist Jewel, who once lived in her car, was homeless before she finally got a lucky break and a record contract. Musician Jon Bon Jovi also features in the film and speaks on his role as an activist and his contributions to unhoused youth.
Lost in America is a powerful, heart-stirring work that will embolden its viewers to make a change. It is highly recommended for academic libraries that want showcase these social issues to young students and those studying social services.