The fact that the life lines of Shaunda Larsen and A.P. Harreld intersected in Rock Springs, WY is what makes storytelling fun. It's not even a love story, by any stretch. The two arrived to Rock Springs at middle age, fleeing divergent backgrounds, seeking distinct futures, hoping that one dusty oblong racing track could propel them forward. 

 

The film Sweetwater weaves the stories of A.P., Shaunda, and two others whose lives converge for a seven-week horse racing season at Sweetwater Downs in Rock Springs, WY. It's a contemporary western about people trying to achieve the best version of themselves while chasing dreams with long odds.

 

We spent two months at the Sweetwater track living amongst the jockeys and trainers to make this film. With no prior knowledge of horse racing, we gravitated toward the characters who let us into their lives for a brief glimpse.