Free Community Film Screening of Sextortion: The Hidden Pandemic

Beyond The Screen: Protecting Children

Free Community Film Screening of Sextortion: The Hidden Pandemic & Expert Panel Discussion at A-B Tech | April 29

In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Mountain Child Advocacy Center, in partnership with Leadership Asheville, will host a free community screening of the award-winning documentary Sextortion: The Hidden Pandemic on Tuesday, April 29, from 5:30 to 8:30 PM at A-B Tech’s Ferguson Auditorium.

This powerful film event is designed to educate families, educators, caregivers, and community members on the rising threat of online sextortion—and the urgent need for prevention, awareness, and intervention to protect our youth.

“We believe awareness is the first step to prevention,” says Carla Jones, Executive Director of the Mountain Child Advocacy Center. “This documentary sheds light on the devastating realities of online sexual exploitation. We are proud to offer a safe and informed space for our community to come together in dialogue and action.”

Following the screening, an expert-led panel discussion and audience Q&A will feature professionals in law enforcement, child protection, and mental health, who will share insight on online grooming, legal issues, and how to keep children safe in the digital world.

📍 Event Details

Beyond The Screen: Protecting Children
Film Screening of Sextortion: The Hidden Pandemic, and Expert Panel Discussion
Featuring:

• Geoff Sidoli, MSW, LCSW – Children’s Mental Health Expert
• Special Agent Bianca L. Pearson – FBI Johnson City Field Office
• Dr. Cynthia Brown Medical Director, CST – Child Safety Team, Mission Children’s Hospital, Asheville, NC
• Dr. Matthew Edwards– Psychiatrist, sub-speciality in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Sweeten Creek Mental Health

When: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: Ferguson Auditorium, Building #7, A-B Tech Campus
Address: 340 Victoria Road, Asheville, NC 28801
Parking: Follow signage to the Ferguson Center parking area

Schedule:
5:30 PM – Arrival & Appetizers
6:00 PM – Introduction & Film Screening
7:30 PM – Break
7:40–8:30 PM – Panel Discussion + Q&A

RSVP Required

About the Film

Sextortion: The Hidden Pandemic exposes the growing and underreported crisis of online sexual exploitation. Through survivor stories, real FBI footage, and expert interviews, the film uncovers how predators operate—and how communities can rise to protect their most vulnerable.

A press kit, digital flyer, and other outreach content, are available upon request

About Mountain Child Advocacy

Mountain Child Advocacy Center (MCAC) is a nonprofit organization based in Asheville, North Carolina, dedicated to preventing harm, protecting children, and healing families through best practice programs and community collaboration. MCAC offers a range of services, including child and family advocacy, evidence-based therapies for trauma, and child abuse prevention education. Collaborating with partners such as HCA Mission Hospital, Buncombe County Government, and local law enforcement, MCAC strives to create a safe and healthy environment for all children.

About Leadership Asheville

Leadership Asheville, a program of the University of North Carolina at Asheville, is dedicated to building collaborative leadership capacity and fostering an equitable, inclusive, and sustainable community. Through its flagship program, Leadership Asheville develops, connects, and engages citizens from various sectors—including business, nonprofit, education, and government—to address regional challenges and opportunities. Additional initiatives, such as the Executive Directors Roundtable and the Buzz Breakfast Series, further support community leadership and civic responsibility.

For more information see our website at mtncac.org

or

Contact:

Kiki O’Connor, Development & Outreach Coordinator [email protected]

561-400-5241

Carla Jones, Executive Director [email protected]
828-213-9824

Mountain Child Advocacy Center

Host or Publisher Mountain Child Advocacy Center