Program 13: 'Between the Sun and the Sidewalk' Grassroots Organizing - Q&A

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

PRECEDED BY:
Public Good: A Fight for Democracy (Cricket) - Cricket, a city wastewater treatment mechanic in St. Petersburg, was on the frontlines during Hurricane Milton. While his own house flooded, he was working to serve his community. Cricket is one of countless public servants who keep America running. Now, their rights are under attack. (2025, 3m, Director: Thien Dinh)
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Farmers of the Sea - For the first time, this film unveils the ancestral practice of pot-fishing in Puerto Rico, which is under threat. In the Caribbean island of Vieques, climate change is making fishing more difficult. Farmers of the Sea follows the daily life of artisanal fishermen, as they navigate new challenges in pursuit of their catch amidst declining fish populations. Pedro and his crew of "pots-fishermen" find themselves risking their lives by going further into the sea to secure the lobsters that sustain their livelihood, while Cecilia and her partner endure longer hours at the pier to barely catch any fish. Even as this form of livelihood continues to face new challenges, younger generations of Viequenses dream of becoming fishermen, and maintaining the legacy of their fishermen ancestors. (2024, 19m, Director: Juan Carlos Dávila)

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