As part of the festival’s Pilots screening, the first scene of Sugar’s pilot episode follows a man (Sebastian Fernandez) on his search for a sex worker and meets Alora (Brayboy) on a dark street corner…
“I’m thrilled that Sugar will be screened at Dances with Films in Los Angeles after its initial screening in New York in December,” said Brayboy, who operates her indie production studio,
Buttons in LA as well.
Since Sugar’s debut, the film has screened at the Tucson Sex Worker Film & Art Festival, A Royal Chance Film Festival and the California Women’s Film Festival, where it received an audience award. “This piece is a passion project and represents a significant piece of my heart. It’s a raw, honest exploration of these characters’ lives, filled with courage and authenticity.”
The series delves into the gritty and complex lives of three sex workers in a tale of unique relationships. Through their journey, they confront the harsh realities of their existence and the masks they put on to face the world.
“Bringing this story to light and sharing the tough decisions faced by people in a judgmental world is something I’m immensely proud of,” added Brayboy. “Dances with Films is an excellent platform for Sugar in celebrating the independent spirit of daring storytelling.”
Sugar is produced by Alyssa Brayboy, Elisa Vazquez, Jillian Stewart. To learn more about
Sugar’s screening at the 2024 Dances with Films festival in Los Angeles, visit
DancesWithFilms.com/SUGAR-2 and check out the trailer at
Vimeo.com.
ABOUT ALYSSA BRAYBOY:
Alyssa Brayboy is a Los Angeles-based actress, producer, writer, entrepreneur and SheEO/Founder of Buttons, a Black and Latina female-owned production company that gives prominence to the personal narratives and traditions of underrepresented and diverse voices through the power of film.
Brayboy launched her acting career in 2014 with parts in productions such as Already Lucky, 30 Nights and 2018’s The Mix and Serve, a TV series that she also produced. She has since created, directed and written several films, shorts and series, including the upcoming short film Shadow Self, a collaboration with director Jesse Randall (with whom she worked on his series The Safety Plan) about how COVID-19’s lockdowns impacted the mental health of queer women of color.
She was also nominated for Best Comedic Performance in 2021’s Best of NFMLA Awards for her role in The Safety Plan, Maverick Movie Awards’ Best Supporting Actress nominee for her role in Already Lucky and won Best Supporting Actress at the Silicon Beach Film Festival for her role in Coyote.
