Placer High graduate working on film about child trafficking; filming occurred in Auburn

Placer High School graduate and Auburn native Ben Pauling will show an extended first look at his film "Dream," which he shot in Auburn and around Placer County, this Friday, Aug. 19, at the Gold Country Fairgrounds. Pauling is hosting the movie night, which includes an outdoor showing of "Field of Dreams" on the baseball field at the fairgrounds, with the hope he can gain additional financial support for his film. "Dream" follows the journey of Ray as he searches for his younger sister, who goes missing during a Fast Fridays motorcycle race. Pauling, who also stars in the film, said crews filmed at a Fast Fridays event in 2021. "He has this dream and feels called to do something about it," Pauling said. "Out of sheer desperation and faith, he uncovers a child trafficking ring in their hometown." Pauling said he had his own dream in 2020, similar to the main character's dream, which led him to create the movie to help spread awareness about the plight of human trafficking. "This dream came out of nowhere and created a heart for this issue I didn't have prior," he said. "It was a powerful moment for me. I feel like I was called to tell this story. I just couldn't shake it." The movie, which originally began as a short film, has been three years in the making. Pauling said some names originally attached with the film have stepped away and caused speed bumps in production. He said he wants to finish the production grass roots and eventually donate the profits toward human trafficking rescue operations. "We are doing this event, a movie night with a purpose, to bring awareness and start a fire in the community toward what we are doing on a bigger scale," he said. "We want to get this film in every theatre in the county." The film's trailer features the Fast Fridays scenes. Pauling said the film also featured a warehouse in Wheatland and various other locations in Lincoln and Newcastle. "There is something special about this area that is very cinematic," Pauling said. "It has that kind of quality that should be on the big screen." Pauling admitted some people attached to the film "got very strange about it." "This subject does create other conversations around political things that are really detrimental to the issue," Pauling said. To him, the message is a spiritual one of good versus evil. "The message behind the film is that this issue is taking place in America and it's everywhere," he said. "It is not limited to a certain class or certain political party. People of all walks of life have either the desire in them to do good of light and God, and then there is obviously the people who don't have good will." Pauling is hosting the movie night to bring awareness about the issue, his film and hopefully to raise funds so he can complete his vision. "I hope it helps us build this dream so we can not only make a huge impact in our community with this amazing film but also make an impact toward the issue of child trafficking," he said. The Summer Movie Night event, scheduled at 7:30 p.m., will feature an extended first look at "Dream" with Pauling and his brother and fellow filmmaker Sam. Following the extended footage, the "Dream" team will host an outdoor screening of "Field of Dreams" on the baseball diamond under the stars. Tickets are $11 and veterans, first responders and kids under 10 are free. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. Food and drink will be available. For more information about the film or the Aug. 18 screening, visit dreamfilm.us.