Nobody ever thought that Stanley was ever gonna make it. Ditching school and living on the streets of Watts, gunshots were Stanley's lullabies. His family was falling apart, his brothers were Crips gangbangers, and his mother was a drug addict living on the streets. He had no-one to look up to. Oscar was dealing drugs and stealing cars at the age of 14. He was showing off to the fellas in an effort to belong. His younger brother was in jail and his parents were shot in a violent crime. He became responsible for his sister who dropped out of school and was hanging with the neighborhood Cholos. Oscar used any means to provide. Hope and determination brought Stanley and Oscar together, LaToya and Norma, Queenie, Michael, and many other African Americans and Latino kids from South Central Los Angeles. They decided they didn't want to be dead or in jail by the age of 18. They re-discovered their talents and self dignity when they joined Colors United, a performing arts group for inner city kids. There, they found a second family and a safe stage where they could dance, act and express their problems. Someone was finally listening. Stanley graduated from high school and dreams of becoming a professional choreographer. Oscar and Norma are going to college, and LaToya has landed a part on a television series. Michael hopes he can make it to Harvard. But the struggle continues for many children. The powerful documentary Colors Straight Up follows these kids throughout a year of obstacles and successes, laughs and tears, dances and funerals. The kids' intimate revelations about their lives offers an unusual in-depth look at "at risk" children everywhere in the country. From the director of It Was A Wonderful Life, Colors Straight Up shows that there is a way, against all odds. THE MAKING OF THE DOCUMENTARY Nearly 3 years ago, director Michele Ohayon and producer Julia Schachter went to see a show in South Central Los Angeles, called "Watts Side Story". The young performers were from "Colors United", an after school program based in Watts, that keeps inner city kids off the streets by engaging them in music, acting and dancing. Michele and Julia were moved by these African American and Latino kids who used to steal, ditch school and deal drugs, but decided that they deserve better. 100% graduate high school, many of them attend college and become the first in their family to do so. Michele and Julia made a commitment to tell their inspiring stories. An extensive process of research and pre-production began. The filmmakers spent time with the kids and the performance group for about a year, and welcomed every invitation to meet their families and friends in the projects and in the neighborhood. Filming started only in the second year. By then, the kids were used to Michele and her camera, and were ready to open their hearts and share their compelling stories. When Oscar was thrown back in jail, he made sure to call Michele and reminded her "don't forget the camera" . When Stanley went to visit his brother in jail, the crew was there to follow. Meanwhile, the filmmakers had to call favors, beg, borrow and empty their bank accounts to ensure that the film would be made. The main funder became the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, under their campaign for Act Against Violence. Additional sponsors were the California Wellness Foundation, the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs department and countless donations of goods and services. Produced on a small budget, Colors Straight Up was completed in November 1996. The cinema verite style documentary follows the kids throughout a year of their lives. Emotional and rare moments of truth are accompanied by original music scored for the film by five composers, including musicians from the community. From the director of the award winning documentary It Was A Wonderful Life, Michele Ohayon creates another powerful film that offers an in depth image of "at risk" teenagers everywhere in the nation. Echo Pictures also produced a series of documentary segments featuring kids for the PBS series "Adventures from the Book of Virtues", which premiered nationally in September, 1996. Ohayon and Schachter continue to research new ideas for future collaborations. Their goal is to make documentary and fiction films of integrity and excellence. Colors Straight Up 93 min, 16mm, Color NOMINATIONS 1997 ACADEMY AWARD Best Documentary Feature Outstanding Directorial Achievement, Michele Ohayon, Directors Guild of America Independent Spirit "Truer Than Fiction" Award