An indie film that has a piece of my heart – American Street Kid

Reflecting on my work, a film that’s always had a piece of my heart is American Street Kid. Written and directed by Michael Leoni. 

The first time I watched it with my best friend- I cried. We both did. I felt pulled to the film and have been connected to it in many ways. As its publicist and an executive producer, guiding and helping it (along with Michael Leoni’s next handful of feature films) to finally achieve distribution through Kandoo Films with Howard Barish. The team of executive producers and producers, teen youth in the documentary, volunteers, fans, director, and everyone behind the camera and scene worked tirelessly to build an audience, awareness, and following. We took this film from a limited theatrical release in Los Angeles and four regional markets at the end of 2018… TO being streamed-on demand internationally on August 21, 2020 and being well received by critics. Over the two-year journey, there were many fun moments: openings and red carpet events, media training, film critic reviews, editorials, and interviews. As well as many laughs and wild creative meetings!!! 

AMERICAN STREET KID is Michael Leoni’s first documentary, and it breaks the cardinal rule of documentary and journalistic filmmaking: Never interfere. However, his film creates a compelling narrative following his journey with homeless teens in Los Angeles. 

Synopsis: Filmmaker Michael Leoni leads us into a world that most people don’t know exists. A world where in order to survive, kids are forced to sell drugs, beg for money, or sell their bodies. They live under bridges, in abandoned houses, or anywhere else they can hide to remain safe from the dangers they face daily on the streets. Follow his journey with homeless teens in Los Angeles as they expose the truth and illuminate the hardcore reality of this American crisis. These teens have traveled from across the country to converge in Los Angeles with the dream of finding something better. What they find is anything but that…their powerful stories are heartbreaking while their unrelenting hope and determination to create a better life shines through, in this true tale of love, friendship, and the triumph of the human spirit. Leoni reveals the answers to the most crucial questions: How did they get there? And why can’t they get off the streets?

To watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKaTK8S7zl4

To watch it: Apple iTunes, Amazon, GooglePlay, Spectrum, Fandango NOW, Cox, Charter cable etc

To share an insight into what it’s like to work with Sarah, please see below Michael Leoni’s experience:

What was it like working with Sarah?

Sarah is a TRUE gem! She is a no BULL SHIT kind of woman. She is loving and compassionate but will do anything to share the message she believes in. If she believes in you…WATCH OUT; she will manifest your dreams right before your own eyes, so you better be ready. 

What was your favorite PR result or editorial that sticks out?

She organized a red carpet event for one of my projects, Famous. It was a stunning event with Corey Feldman and Dawn Dunning. It was organized, professional, well received by the press and audiences, and she did it with no little time. As it was a last-minute request from the producing team, she was working for. 

All of the press she got for American Street Kid was very STRONG. She knew how to target the right journalists and critics that would benefit the message of the piece. She stopped at nothing to make it happen. Her heart is always in the right place, but she’s always 10 steps ahead of what’s next.

How did she help you personally along this film’s journey? And with your career as a director?

She was so committed to helping me get out of my own shadow and stand in my Power. She came at a time when I didn’t even know I needed her gift . She brings out the best in you, not only in steering you in the right direction for your path….but it’s her commitment to making you the best version of yourself. She also got distribution for my film. She connected me with the right company that had the heart and courage to release my film. This company ended up releasing two more of my films. 

Any learnings to share with other filmmakers reading this?

Follow YOUR OWN instincts. Get out of head and lead with your heart. All art is about the heart. What you fear most…you must attack. Full force. No exceptions. Remember every thought you think…it is not yours…it’s all the chatter you’ve heard throughout your life. Get to that STILLNESS. The stillness speaks. If you have a story to share with the world. SHARE IT. It’s not about you. It’s about the story. You never know who needs to hear it. 

Film Website: www.americanstreetkid.com

Instagram: @americanstreetkid

Twitter: @AmericanStKid

Facebook: @AmericanStreetKid