MILWAUKEE - An award winning Milwaukee film is now available at local retail stores.

The path to get to this point, is positively Milwaukee.

The acclaimed locally produced movie, “Gettin Grown,” is a powerful film that spotlights the challenges of urban families.

The movie depicts the struggle of growing up in the inner city, but the message is universal: it’s one all parents can relate to.

“Gettin Grown” has just been released by Film Life/Warner Brothers Home Video.

Production began five years ago. TODAY’S TMJ4 was there when scenes were shot on the east side.

Producer Fran Kaplan believes “Gettin Grown” fills a niche.

“Doesn't sensationalize everything, doesn't use violence to entertain, doesn’t paint all inner city families as being poor,” Kaplan said.

The film’s star, Isaiah Matthew was in the seventh grade when he starred in the film. Now, he is eighteen years old. Spending hours on the movie sets taught him a lot.

"Nothing comes easy. We worked hard, we worked hard on the film, and it’s paying off,” Matthew said.

“Gettin Grown” was made in Milwaukee, and used talent from Milwaukee, but it has gotten awards from all over the country.

It’s real down to earth and it’s something you can learn from,” Matthew said.

Producer Anthony Ferraro praises the commitment of the cast and crew.

"I’m extremely proud. What I’m most proud is all the people who participated in this film. The film was truly a community effort,” Ferraro said.

For an independent film with a small budget to get this far is rare, but when discipline and talent take the stage, nothing is impossible.

“With that kind of dedication, that kind of competence and determination, you can do a lot with a little,” Kaplan said.

“We did it, we did it,” Ferraro said.

"Gettin Grown" is available at Wal-Mart, Target, and Blockbuster.