Reel Affirmations: The Nation's LGBT Film Festival 2008

Also seen as part of our Free at Five series on Wednesday, Oct. 22nd at Sixth and I Synagogue

Sugar Rush is the kind of heady, full-of-issues in a not-full-of-issues kind of way show that makes you both fondly recall the agonies of adolescence and thank the lucky stars that you're finally past all of that nonsense.

Based on a novel by Julie Burchill (an early NME writer most widely known for her public battle with Camille Paglia), Sugar Rush is the story of Kim Daniels, a young lesbian forced to move from her posh boarding school in London to the seaside town of Brighton, where she promptly falls in love with her new best friend, the delightfully naughty Sugar.

The two girls drink, shop and gossip their way into a series of misadventures - all while attempting to make the most of an adolescence determined to be cut short by philandering parents, nerdy young brothers, bothersome boys (in Kim's case) and unsavory boyfriends (Sugar).

Throughout the season, Kim and Sugar develop an even deeper bond, despite Kim's not so secret desire to tumble into bed with Sugar. There's something for everyone in this sexy comedy!

The critically acclaimed series, which aired on BBC in 2005 and 2006, faced widespread support throughout Britain after rumors began that it was cancelled in favor of a popular reality TV show. Citing its landmark portrayal of young lesbians, protesters staged a massive campaign to keep the show afloat.

Lauded for its beautiful production values and realistic portrayal of British youth, Sugar Rush won an international Emmy as best youth series in Britain.