shows us something rare: what happens when everyday people reclaim their power to make a difference and shape local policy decisions. Young organizers lead a team of fellows in Stockton, CA as they mobilize their community to support a sugary drink tax against the corporate interests of the $oda industry.

Join us for a screening followed by an audience and panel discussion, moderated by filmmaker Helen De Michiel. Talk with experienced organizers from the film, and those continuing their work today.

Strategies for local organizing ~ Building community ~ Navigating powerful opposition

Thirty Leaves Production

Between the Sun and the Sidewalk

Sidewalk Power: Engage. Participate. Activate.

Helen De Michiel

Sean Havey

Brian Woods

Michael Truesdell Anthony

Emmy Scharlatt

Jacob Bloomfield-Misrach

What does it mean to fight for democracy? In the heart of Stockton, California, young Latino political strategists Christian and Aurora show us an answer. Leading a rookie team of community organizers, they take on Big Soda and the diabetes epidemic ravaging their community. When corporate interests push through a stealth law banning local soda taxes until 2030, their grassroots campaign transforms into an unexpected battle for democracy itself.


BETWEEN THE SUN AND THE SIDEWALK reveals the behind-the-scenes journey of young people engaging in politics – not through protests and headlines, but in the patient power of one-to-one organizing. As Christian and Aurora guide their team through the growing pains of sustained activism, they discover that real change happens in the spaces between dramatic moments: in living rooms, on front porches, and through the simple act of showing up every day for their community.