BETWEEN THE SUN AND THE SIDEWALK follows two fiercely dedicated young Latino political organizers leading a team of new recruits to mobilize their community to support a sugary drink tax. When the state government passes a stealth law to ban all local soda taxes until 2030, these young activists fearlessly battle the corporate lobbying efforts to block them.

In their goal to ignite a grassroots movement for health justice, the young organizers, Christian and Aurora, are undaunted. Tested during their fight for democracy and the right to vote on local issues, the film’s heroes overcome doubt, fear and powerful resistance as they dare to fight back against the goliath American beverage industry. 

This story of hands-on community organizing reveals how, through collective participation at the grassroots level, people can make meaningful change that benefits everyone.

TOLA
"These sons and daughters of farmworkers, of domestic workers – most of them barely 18 years old – are our future leaders. They are learning to lead by doing, by organizing and by fighting for what they believe in. Adelante!"

Dolores Huerta,
American labor leader and civil rights activist

The Message

Growing health differences underscore the deepening inequality in American society. The working class city at the center of BETWEEN THE SUN AND THE SIDEWALK reflects the challenges facing vulnerable communities around the country. 

In a region where 39% of young people under 30 are living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, BETWEEN THE SUN AND THE SIDEWALK focuses on a public health battle being waged at the local level -- against the harmful beverage industry and the over consumption of sugary drinks. In cities across the US -- from Philadelphia to Oakland -- and in countries like Mexico, soda taxes on beverage distributors have been used to support community-based health education efforts to save lives.

When dedicated young people gain hands-on political education, learn to organize, and expand their confidence to speak up and take action, they become leaders and agents for change. While combating despair and disengagement, BETWEEN THE SUN AND THE SIDEWALK opens up an inspiring dialogue to strengthen our democratic structures at the grassroots, and change the narrative for those youth wanting to harness their energy and power to create a better, more just society.

Marching
"When I saw this film I felt so much pride in the young organizers who are attempting to make their community better. This documentary should be seen by everyone interested in organizing for change."

Michael Tubbs,
Former Mayor, Stockton, Ca.

Vision for Distribution

The release of BETWEEN THE SUN AND THE SIDEWALK is designed to reach new and first-time voters, encourage deeper engagement with political structures, and spark dialogue in communities of color. Partnerships with allies that share the values of our film’s message are key to our vision.

We are designing an innovative distribution campaign to generate interest, momentum and impact through these pathways:

  • virtual and in-person youth-focused events in communities, colleges and film festivals 

  • screenings and panel discussions with policy makers and community organizers

  • presentations and organizing workshops at top conferences

  • city hall and state capital screening tours where relevant legislation is being debated  

  • national PBS broadcast

  • digital release with on-streaming platforms like iTunes and Amazon

  • community organizing toolkit in partnership with The Organizing and Leadership Academy (TOLA) 

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