'We have one of the highest high school dropout rates of any industrialized nation. And half of the students who begin college never finish. Dropping out of high school is no longer an option. It's not just quitting on yourself, it's quitting on your country.' -President Obama-
The national high school dropout rate in America is 1 in 3 – and that rate is dramatically higher in urban areas such as Los Angeles, the backdrop for Show Me the Way. Follow the stories of five urban high school kids with very diverse needs and backgrounds as they navigate the challenges of home and school life while utilizing the dedication of a Mentor. This film demonstrates the importance of the mentoring partnership to these children’s lives as they attempt to realize their dreams and pull themselves out of poverty via education and very hard work.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, himself a beneficiary of a powerful mentoring relationship in his youth, shares his story as well, and points out the difficulties facing young people today not just in Los Angeles, but across the U.S. Our current socio-economic system is failing our children – the very future of our cities and our nation. Show Me the Way is an inspiring jolt of hope that could bring us back to basics: the importance of one-on-one caring and respect to a young person trying to find their way in an increasingly violent and indifferent society.
Production Sheila Laffey Co-Director; Co-Producer Echo Mountain Productions, Inc.
Tim Kitz Associate Producer
William Gazecki Co-Director; Co-Producer DocFlix Inc.
2009 Festival 
