Colors Straight Up Directed by Michele Ohayon, 1997

The film's message of hope packs a potent punch! " - Variety

Vibrantly engrossing and powerful, Academy Award^® nominee COLORS STRAIGHT UP offers a wholly inspiring and penetrating look at the lives of inner-city children who are beating the odds through music, acting and dancing.

An in-depth document of the lives of teenagers from South Central Los Angeles, the film follows these kids as they struggle to stay off their violent streets and find a better life. Despite the hard and destructive influences which surround them, these teens rediscover their talents and self dignity through Colors United, a performing arts group for inner city kids. On this safe stage, Latino and black kids put down their guns and pick up Shakespeare plays, while finding a second family to provide support and encouragement as they strive to seize more from life. This uplifting and emotional documentary follows this spirited collective throughout a year of obstacles and successes, laughs and tears, dances and funerals, providing unusually intimate depth into their personal and emotional struggles.

Affectionately directed by acclaimed filmmaker Michele Ohayon (It Was a Wonderful Life), COLORS STRAIGHT UP offers powerful insight into the thoughts and feelings of at-risk children everywhere, and inspires others to follow in their footsteps.