Encore! Sister Duo, Filmmaker Johanna Bermúdez-Ruiz and Chef Wanda Belardo are hosting Sugar Pathways Dinner & Movie—Sunday, August 3
July 15, 2025
Contact:
Johanna Bermúdez-Ruiz
Cane Bay Films
Email: jbr@canebayfilms.com
Cell: 917-528-1071
After a sold-out event on February 16, 2025, award-winning filmmaker and native Virgin Islander Johanna Bermúdez-Ruiz and her sister, award-winning local Chef Wanda Bermúdez-Belardo, invite you to an encore of Sugar Pathways' Dinner & Movie on Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM, at 102 Richmond, Christiansted (next to Olympic Car Rental)—an intimate evening under the stars featuring exquisite cultural cuisine and a screening of the epic documentary "Sugar Pathways".
"Sugar Pathways," a U.S. Congressional award-nominated documentary directed by Bermúdez-Ruiz and narrated by Luna Lauren Vélez (Dexter, Across the Spider-Verse), explores nearly 100 years of Puerto Rican and Virgin Islands families uniting in love and culture. It's a vital piece of Virgin Islands history and identity.
Guests will enjoy a three-course cocktail dinner prepared by Bermúdez-Belardo, inspired by family stories from the film. The event will occur at her new venue, Mini Mimosas, an extension of J&W Bodega.
Past guests’ reviews:
Ebony Jones mentions, "If you're interested in migration, identity, or Caribbean history, this film is a must-watch. It's emotional, educational, and beautifully told. I highly recommend it!"
Yvette Ali shares: "I can't say how much I enjoyed Johanna Bermúdez-Ruiz's presentation last night. Wow! Just blew my mind… her vision for bringing a film economy here… the history… la cultura, stories of migration, ancestry… Our whole community and our elected officials need to support her. She is just brilliant. By investing in the creative industry on St. Croix, we can put hundreds of people to work and bolster our frail economy."
Bermúdez-Belardo adds, "I am excited to host everyone in this encore event with my sister Johanna. I am looking forward to sharing our lovely Crucian-Rican cuisine. We are working diligently to ensure everyone has a wonderful "Sugar Pathways' Dinner & Movie" experience. I believe everyone will feel joy in our relaxing atmosphere."
Johanna states: "Our goal for our signature event, “Sugar Pathways’ Dinner & Movie’’, is for our guests to have a great time. 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 (CBF-WTEFIP), a seventeen (17) week semester-apprenticeship Film Standard Industry program producing our feature film, "Silent Drift".
The evening 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," Johanna states. The collaboration honors the legacy of their great-uncle, Senator Candido R. Guadalupe, whose foundation is built on family, entrepreneurship, community, and philanthropy.
Mini Mimosas, Wanda's new establishment, is located one block from former Senator Guadalupe's business establishment.
They look forward to seeing everyone and sharing a magical and unforgettable evening.
Event Sponsors: Bread & Butter Wines, Fiji Water, CC1, the Department of Tourism, the Economic Development Authority (EDA), Vivot Equipment Corporation, UVI Research and Technology Park (RT Park), the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission, One Communications, Aqua Mist, Blue Sky Real Estate, The Baths Realty Group, Colorama, Plessen Healthcare, Cane Roots Gallery, Diageo, and PromoTix.
Seating is limited.
To purchase tickets:
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, August 3, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: J&W Bodega, 102 Richmond, Christiansted (next to Olympic Car Rental)
Film Running Time: 50 minutes
Admission: $160
Attire: Island Chic (outdoor event)