Houston duo's new film tackles a tough disease

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It's a moving story based on the reality of a very tough disease: Alzheimer's.

"We need to do justice to people going through this and justice to people who are sacrificing part of their lives to truly love the people going through the disease," Elle Johnson,the film's actress and producer said.

The film was based in Houston and produced by two young women who graduated from HSPVA and are pursuing their dreams in L.A. in a world where few women are working in independent filmmaking.

"HSPVA prepared us by making sure we honed in on our art," Johnson added. The school taught them that being true artists was at the core of who they are.

"It prepared us to go into the world and be fearless women and fearless artists," Johnson said.

Johnson and Dime Davis have produced web series, commercials and short films. "Sugar" is very special to them.

"I feel like people say this all the time, but you have to follow your dream. Work really hard. It's taken years for us to get where we are, and there's so much more to conquer," Davis said.

Their breakthrough film is the story of Charlie and Mimi, a mother and daughter facing Alzheimer's disease. Mimi's memory of her is fading fast.

"I don't feel like it's talked about enough," Davis said.

"Especially within our community," she added.

The short film premiered at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Cinema Arts Festival. Supporters got to see the team's work firsthand.

"Diversity in film is a passion of mine. Especially the subject of women in film is a very important issue," local filmmaker Jason Raschen said.

"I came out to support women filmmakers and listen," Raschen said about the film screening.

The reaction to the film predicts a bright future for these two Houston women.

"It's phenomenal," Angie Whitaker, who attended the premiere, said.

"To see a panel of such a diverse group of ladies, and see that they are trying to take on an industry that you know how it is; being a woman, that we have to kick down walls to get in," Whitaker said.

For more information on the film and the festival, go to Sugarthefilm.com, or visit the Houston Cinema Arts Festival.