The Plight of Homelessness Has a New, Well-Painted, Face.

by: Abernathy Miller

Directors Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine give the plight of homelessness in American a well-painted face, in their award winning documentary “Inocente,” which recently aired on MTV.

The title character, a 15 year old Latina girl with an amazing artistic talent tries to balance who she is, with who she wants to become, against the turbulent background that is her day-to day life. Her struggles are expertly expressed through  her colorful paintings.

From stopping her mother from committing suicide, to staying at every shelter in San Francisco, Inocente has seen more in her 15 years than most people will see in an entire lifetime. But through her art and industructible spirit, she finds hope.

“Inocente’ poignantly captures the beauty and strength of a young woman who refuses to let her surroundings define her,” said Chris Linn, Executive Vice President of Programming and Head of Production for MTV. “We’re thrilled to premiere this documentary and hope it not only continues the dialogue on youth immigration and homelessness, but serves as an inspiration to those struggling to overcome obstacles in pursuit of their dreams.”

Through her art, she imagines a world much brighter than the darkness that surrounds her, and allows her to take control of her destiny. The documentary sheds light both on the problems of immigration and homelessness.

“Just because I’m homeless doesn’t meant I don’t have a life… because I do have a life,” she said.

For more information on “Inocente” and the issues explored in this documentary click here