At the beginning of 2006, Samantha, Tiffany and Alex J.R (all 1st generation Canadians) went to the Philippines to visit their parents' homeland. There they were exposed to the harsh realities of the streets of the overpopulated city of Manila; witnessing children living amongst the dead in local cemeteries. Families facing extreme poverty built their homes around tombstones of the wealthy deceased.
After observing these shocking living conditions, they decided to return for the month of February 2007, to document this crisis and see what they can do to help.
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The documentary focuses on a 15 year old boy named Kevin, who was born
and raised in North Cemetery, Santa Cruz, Manila. The eldest of 7 children,
Kevin was forced to take on a great deal of responsibilities for his
family and act as a father figure to his siblings.
The simplicities of life unfold through his eyes as the filmmakers
accompany him through his daily routines. Where drugs, violence and
theft are the easiest routes for youth to take, Kevin found an
interest in music instead. Along with three other children (between
the ages of 8 and 15 years old), Kevin would meet three times a week
in a place called "The River of Joy" to play music together as a
band. All four children coming from different slum areas, use their
love for music and friendship as an escape to deal with their own life situations.
please take a second to check our teasers on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55hToLkrrWA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTJHImpM-_g
The purpose of the HOT SAUCE project is to create awareness of such surreal
environments and to inspire change for street children who are often
neglected and underestimated.
This is an independent project and to move forward we need your support and donations. One of the primary goals for the HOT SAUCE project is to eventually provide the children from North Cemetery with resources and programs (ie.music & creative arts) so they can have a chance to reach their full potentials.
Feel free to contact us:
cemetery.kids@gmail.com
Additional Info:
www.myspace.com/hotsauceproject