‘Sugar’…Giving a Voice to Kids on the Street

“You can keep going, turn around, or just stop”. These are the haunting words of Sugar, a young woman finding her way in an unfamiliar world. Moviegoers and film critics alike have come to understand this statement is equal parts hope or despair. ‘Sugar’ is a poignant and entertaining film with charitable purposes. The critically acclaimed movie brings attention to youth homelessness, a little known yet rapidly growing issue. Money raised from the production will go towards feeding homeless youth across America.

Shenae Grimes, from the TV series 90210, stars as Sugar, a young woman living homeless in Venice Beach following the tragic death of her family from a car accident. An all-star cast also includes: Marshall Allman, Corbin Bleu, Will Peltz and Austin Williams. Through her struggles to find hope as a homeless youth, Sugar meets other young adults facing constant threats of violence, social unacceptance and a lost future on the unforgiving streets. Themes of loyalty, hope and compassion are all apparent in the well received movie, which won a ‘Film Heals Award’ at The Manhattan Film Festival in July.

Based on the real life experiences of Director Rotimi Rainwater, ‘Sugar’ has opened hearts and minds across the country. Youth homelessness is a relatively new phenomenon with little data and awareness. As a socially significant film, ‘Sugar’ spotlights the rapid growth of homeless youth numbers. Young adults rank as the fast growing segment of homeless populations. The notion of America’s future generation facing such stiff odds prompted Executive Producer Elliott Broidy to note that ‘Sugar’ deserves to succeed. Succeed it has! Despite limited marketing, the cast and crew of ‘Sugar’ were invited to a Congressional screening in June, which gave a needed voice to homeless youth. In helping tell the story of forgotten or invisible faces; ‘Sugar’ is inspiring action and compassion on broader issues of homelessness.

To view the ‘Sugar’ movie trailer, please visit: