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.
While most political stories focus on election night drama, this intimate, verité approach reveals the true engine of democracy: the unseen emotional labor of sustained organizing. Through door-knocking setbacks, small-scale victories, and the daily persistence that never makes headlines, these young leaders demonstrate how – through self-awareness, humor and fearless participation – everyday people can reclaim political power that benefits everyone.
At a time when young Americans are questioning whether democracy can deliver, Between the Sun and the Sidewalk offers a counter-narrative of hope through action.
(2024, 1 hr 16m, Director: Helen De Michiel) + Q&A
