Mammoth Film Festival

Leaving Barstow
(Peter Paige)

Growing up in small-town Barstow, CA, high school senior Andrew dreams of college, but feels torn. He and his single mother Sandra share a tight-knit devotion to each other. Andrew’s strong sense of responsibility for Sandra, combined with his fear of the unknown, make him hesitate to pursue his ambitions.

When Andrew meets Jenny, caught in Barstow on her way to LA, his reasons for staying grow stronger, but his bond with Sandra begins to fray. In spite of encouragement from friend Carlos and mentor Mr. Johns, Andrew finds inertia all too easy to rationalize. As Andrew’s loyalties become confused, his opportunities seem to fade until he realizes he must choose between those who need him and starting his own life elsewhere.