We all know a “Precious” in our life…

All of us at Kempe are excited to partake in opening night of the Starz Denver Film Festival, for a blue carpet gala screening of the highly anticipated, award winning feature film, “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire.” Stoking predictions that the harrowing, Oprah Winfrey-backed tale is Oscar-bound, “Precious” swept the top awards at Sundance and Toronto International Film Festivals. Sundance Winner "Precious" Takes Toronto Too

The film offers a look into a world of which no one wants part, the harsh and realistic plot that depicts the lives of abused children and teens across America. Referred to as a ‘wonderous work of art’ by New York Times film critics (NY Times "Precious" Review), the plot of “Precious” is simple: an abused teenager’s struggle to establish her own identity, against overwhelming resistance.

You’re probably reading this blog saying, “Am I in the mood for this? Why would I want to go see a movie that is so grave and unsettling?” No one will blame you for that. The obese illiterate 16-year old African American character, Precious, is pregnant with her second child by her own father.

That alone will be a deal breaker for many. But those who see the film will recognize the power and strength within the human spirit, that against all odds the light of hope can yield a path to a better reality through countless dead ends.

Every year, nearly one million children are abused or neglected in the U.S., over 9,000 children in Colorado alone. “Precious” serves as a stinging reminder of the stark reality faced by so many helpless children and teens across the country. Unless people like you and me intervene and speak up for them, where will they end up?

Check out the trailer: YouTube: "Precious"

Learn how you can help: The Kempe Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse and Neglect