04/18/2025 / By Kevin Hughes
In a world where media often serves as a conduit for divisive and anti-human narratives, the independent film “17 Miles” stands out as a beacon of truth and humanity. Directed by Bob Denney and produced by Brighteon Films, this groundbreaking feature film is set to challenge the prevailing narratives surrounding illegal immigration and the human trafficking crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border.
“17 Miles” star Amy Schaffert sat down with the Health Ranger Mike Adams to discuss the film’s powerful message and the broader mission of Brighteon Films. The movie is a dramatic reenactment of the harrowing journey of individuals crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.
The film sheds light on the often-overlooked realities of the border crisis, where migrants are frequently exploited by cartels and NGOs [non-governmental organizations]. Schaffert and her daughter play a mother and daughter who are taken advantage of by traffickers, highlighting the dark underbelly of the border situation. (Related: HUMAN TRAFFICKING: Mexican cartels offer $15,000 VIP border crossing packages to migrants trying to get into the U.S. via tunnels.)
Outside acting, Schaffert is the founder of In the Field with Amy, a platform advocating for sustainable farming and local food systems. She shared her motivations for taking on this role, telling Adams that “the culture we live in is anti-human.”
According to Schaffert, it is important to shine a light on the realities of what is happening at the border. She added that the film is a call to action and a way to fight for God’s creation and the world He wants humanity to have.
Despite a modest budget of $58,000, “17 Miles” is a testament to the power of passion and conviction. Denney – who wears two hats as writer and director – and his team managed to create a compelling and authentic film with minimal resources.
“It’s not a high-budget film, but it’s a film of passion and love for humanity,” Adams emphasized. The film’s cast – including Schaffert, Michael Yon, Ann Vandersteel and Sheriff Richard Mack – brought their roles to life with dedication and authenticity, driven by a shared belief in the film’s message.
The film stands in stark contrast to the often sanitized and politically correct narratives perpetuated by mainstream Hollywood. “People are starving for content that is not woke or anti-human,” noted Schaffert. “They want their children to have access to things that are true.”
The film’s release is timely, as it addresses issues that are often ignored or misrepresented in the media, such as the spread of diseases like tuberculosis through the open border.
“17 Miles” was released in May 2024, with its proceeds going toward funding the next project from Brighteon Films. The studio aims to produce more films that are pro-truth, pro-Christian and pro-human.
The success of “17 Miles” is just the beginning of Brighteon’s broader vision. Adams and his team are committed to building a platform that promotes free speech, human values and decentralized technology.
They are currently developing advanced AI models that will be released for free, open-source and non-commercial use. These models, trained on a vast array of content, will serve as powerful tools for preserving and disseminating human knowledge.
During the interview, Schaffert also discussed the potential for collaboration between Brighteon and the homeschooling community. “We are looking for a homeschooling organization that would let us have access to their entire curriculum,” Adams said of this potential partnership. The Health Ranger added that Brighteon’s AI models will be trained on faith-based, Christian content to ensure that true knowledge is preserved and accessible to everyone.
“17 Miles” is more than just a film; it is a movement. It challenges the status quo; sheds light on critical issues and offers a glimmer of hope in a world often shrouded in darkness.
As Schaffert and Adams emphasized, the power of truth and human connection can overcome even the most daunting challenges. By supporting “17 Miles” and the mission of Brighteon Films, viewers can be part of a larger effort to create a more just and humane world.
Follow Trafficking.news for more news about the human trafficking happening in America’s southern border.
Watch the full interview between Amy Schaffert of “17 Miles” and the Health Ranger Mike Adams below.
This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.
Cartels exploit legal loopholes and American teens to fuel border crisis, whistleblower reveals.
Human trafficking victims in America could be as many as 17,500 annually.
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17 Miles, Amy Schaffert, Ann Vandersteel, Bob Denney, border crisis, Brighteon, Brighteon Films, cartels, Health Ranger, Health Ranger Report, hollywood, human trafficking, illegal immigration, Michael Yon, migrants, Mike Adams, NGOs, Sheriff Richard Mack, us mexico border
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