Following a sold-out event earlier this year, Virgin Islands filmmaker Johanna Bermúdez-Ruiz and her sister, Chef Wanda Bermúdez-Belardo, will host an encore presentation of Sugar Pathways’ Dinner & Movie on Sunday, Aug. 3, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 102 Richmond, Christiansted, next to Olympic Car Rental, Cane Bay Films announced in a press release.
The outdoor event will feature a screening of Bermúdez-Ruiz’s award-winning documentary “Sugar Pathways” and a three-course cocktail dinner prepared by Bermúdez-Belardo, offering guests an intimate evening under the stars that celebrates culture, cuisine, and community, according to the press release.
“Sugar Pathways,” directed by Bermúdez-Ruiz and narrated by actress Luna Lauren Vélez (Dexter, Across the Spider-Verse), explores nearly a century of Puerto Rican and Virgin Islands families uniting through shared heritage and migration. The 50-minute documentary, nominated for a U.S. Congressional award, is described by past guests as both emotional and educational, the press release stated.
“If you’re interested in migration, identity, or Caribbean history, this film is a must-watch,” said Ebony Jones. Another guest, Yvette Ali, added, “Her vision for bringing a film economy here … our whole community and our elected officials need to support her. She is just brilliant.”
The dinner will be held at Mini Mimosas, an extension of J&W Bodega, and will feature Crucian-Rican dishes inspired by stories from the film. “I am looking forward to sharing our lovely Crucian-Rican cuisine,” said Bermúdez-Belardo. “We are working diligently to ensure everyone has a wonderful Sugar Pathways’ Dinner & Movie experience.”
“Our goal for our signature event is for guests to have a great time,” said Bermúdez-Ruiz. “Together we dine and talk about the beauty of our culture, history, and our love for films — while building awareness about Cane Bay Films’ Workforce Training and Economic Development Film Industry Program, a 17-week apprenticeship producing our feature film, ‘Silent Drift.’”
The event is presented in partnership with Bread & Butter Wines and CC1. “Their selected red and white wines go perfectly with the evening’s cuisine and film for a profound and lovely, memorable experience,” said Bermúdez-Ruiz. The sisters say the collaboration honors the legacy of their great-uncle, former Senator Candido R. Guadalupe, whose life’s work was rooted in family, entrepreneurship, community, and philanthropy.
Mini Mimosas is located one block from Senator Guadalupe’s former business. Seating is limited. Tickets are $160 and available at www.canebayfilms.com/events or on PromoTix.
