DaVinci International Film Festival launches RiseUP anti-trafficking program

The DaVinci International Film Festival will debut RiseUP on Sept. 26 in Los Angeles as a two-hour impact program focused on child sex trafficking and exploitation. The initiative pairs the short film Firebird with a filmmaker Q&A and a keynote from the Association for the Recovery of Children, aiming to turn filmgoers into informed advocates.

Why it matters: - RiseUP moves the DaVinci International Film Festival beyond screening films and into issue-driven activism. - The inaugural program focuses on child sex trafficking, a subject with immediate public-health and safety implications. - Organizers say the event is designed to leave attendees with tools to help prevent exploitation, not just awareness.

What happened: - The DaVinci International Film Festival announced RiseUP, a new impact initiative centered on socially conscious cinema. - The first program will take place live on Sept. 26, 2026, at AMC Theatres at The Grove in Los Angeles during the festival's 8th edition. - The two-hour program is anchored by the short film Firebird, an Official Selection directed by Eric Davis and Lapka Dolma Tamang. - The event will include a filmmaker Q&A and a keynote address by ARC, the Association for the Recovery of Children.

The details: - RiseUP is presented in partnership with Ally Global Foundation and ARC. - The program is intended to go beyond a standard screening and provide attendees with actionable information on prevention and exploitation. - Bazzel Baz, founder and CEO of ARC, will moderate and host the program. - Bazzel Baz will also deliver the keynote address. - Tickets for the inaugural RiseUP program are available now at festival information and tickets. - DIFF is seeking mission-aligned partners and sponsors for the initiative. - Interested organizations can contact partners@davincifilm.org.

Between the lines: - DIFF is using a film festival platform to broaden the reach of a difficult social issue and connect audiences with advocacy organizations. - The content notice signals that the festival expects the program to be emotionally challenging while still framing it as hopeful and solution-oriented. - The emphasis on partnership suggests DIFF wants RiseUP to become a recurring or scalable impact effort, not a one-time screening.

What's next: - DIFF will present the first RiseUP program on Sept. 26 during the 8th Annual DaVinci International Film Festival. - The festival expects attendees to engage with the presenting organizations after the event. - More information about RiseUP, programming and ticketing is available at festival information and tickets.