Shoe Shine Caddie

One of the popular films at this past summer's Maine International Film Festival, Shoe Shine Caddie documents 14 months of Adrian’s journey, a 61 year old African American man, who after decades of being incarcerated is free and living on the streets. Because of his criminal record, and lack of skills and education, gainful employment has proven next to impossible. Unwilling to beg for a living, he discovers the art of shoe shining that he claims, “most probably saved my life.” One morning, while shining shoes on a street corner, he receives a call from the Los Angeles Department of Social Services informing him he is the father of a three year old child. Stunned by the news, he reflects on his previous failures as a father for his other three children who are now grown. He decides this time he'll do the right thing. The battle to gain custody of his young daughter changes his life forever.

​Filmmaker, Leonard Manzella, has strong feelings about the political and social circumstances that have led to the homeless crisis our country is facing. But he didn’t want to preach or make any statements with the film. "Instead, I wanted tell the story of one man who is homeless." said Manzella,  "I hope people can hear his story, witness his struggle, and experience him as an individual trying to survive like all of us. I want people to watch the film and make up their own minds on what to take away."