Synopsis of Sweetwater

Faith, Friendship & Support

Sweetwater is a dramedy (comedy-drama) that tells the story of eleven-year-old Brady Grey, a freckle-faced tomboy, struggling to meet the challenges of growing up. Brady's grandfather's spirit comes to her when she's feeling down and overwhelmed by family responsibilities. Her grandfather, Pops, brings spiritual strength and is the voice of reason when Brady feels alone. When she shares this secret with her friends, some believe her and others question her honesty. The nonbelievers soon have a change of heart when something magical happens.

Brady and her neighborhood friends, Lindsey, Sabrina and Sara are members of a girl's club.

Here, Brady seeks refuge from tension at home. The female bonding between the girls provides support and solace to Brady. Teamwork is emphasized when a losing boy's baseball team starts winning when the girls join.

In the classroom, Mrs. Jennings, a strict attractive African-American woman, talks about serious social concerns providing a forum for her students, including Brady, to discuss family problems, prejudice, bullying, gender issues, stealing and other violence in today's society.

Commentary by Marci Winters, Writer/Director/Producer

Sweetwater is a family movie set in present day Sweetwater, Texas. The film appeals to young audiences; it is similar in style to Disney's The Big Green, in which Marci was a stand-in actress for Olivia D'Abo.

There is no violence at all depicted in Sweetwater.   In schools and throughout society, violent behavior has increased at an alarming rate.  My intention is to empower our children. I believe boys and girls ages 8-12 will identify and feel empowered by Brady Grey and her friends (the characters in the film).

Reaching children on an emotional level, supporting their growth & nurturing their spirit is Sweetwater's intention. My motivation for making this film is simply to make a difference in children's lives. As a teacher, I was deeply saddened by the suicide of a sixth grader that affected many of my students. I wish to create a world through film where faith, support, and friendship change and heal lives.

As an educational tool, Sweetwater allows teachers to lead an open discussion on gender issues, communication skills and violent behavior after viewing. These are only some topics; friendship, bullying, support & faith are other examples. Educators may include the timely and important message of the film, Sweetwater, in their lesson plans to facilitate a non-violent (educational) environment.

In Sweetwater, the classroom in the movie provides a forum for students, parents and teachers to discussing prejudice, gender issues, stealing and other violence in today's society. All topics are presented in a light, comical tone to capture the viewer, presumably, a child.

The Sweetwater workbook (sold separately) is for all ages, parents, young people, teachers and students as a fun way to discover yourself and one another.

~ Marci Winters