Riding with Sugar

In the vibrant streets of Havana, “Riding with Sugar” follows the heartwarming journey of Diego, a disillusioned former motocross champion grappling with the loss of his career and the crushing weight of unfulfilled dreams. Struggling to make ends meet, Diego spends his days working as a mechanic in a rundown garage and his nights reminiscing about the glory days when his adrenaline-fueled life felt limitless. As he wrestles with his fading ambitions, a chance encounter with Ana, a spirited young girl with dreams of her own, ignites a spark within him that he thought was long extinguished.

Ana, a bright-eyed 12-year-old with an extraordinary talent for art, lives in the same struggling neighborhood and often expresses her aspirations to become a renowned artist. Despite their age difference, an unlikely friendship blossoms between the two as they share their dreams and frustrations, ultimately motivating each other to reach for the stars. When Diego discovers that Ana’s community center, a haven for aspiring young artists, faces closure due to lack of funding, he devises an audacious plan to save it.

Teaming up with his eccentric group of mechanic friends, Diego organizes an underground motocross race that promises to draw in crowds and fund the struggling center. As they rebuild the dilapidated bikes and revamp the garage, Diego feels a sense of purpose returning for the first time in years. Along the way, he confronts shadows from his past, including long-standing rivalries and the reasons he stepped away from the sport he loved.

“Riding with Sugar” weaves a poignant tapestry of hope, resilience, and redemption as Diego learns to embrace his past while paving the way for a brighter future for both himself and Ana. The film highlights themes of community, the intergenerational bond of mentorship, and the idea that while dreams may take different paths, the journey of pursuing them is what truly matters. With vibrant cinematography capturing the essence of Havana and a soundtrack that pulses with life, this heartening tale serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to ride towards your dreams, with a little help from friendship and the sweetness of perseverance.