The Brampton teen is a clean-cut, well-mannered young man who strives to help other young people through adversity.

To look at him, you wouldn't guess that at age 12 he used to sell drugs for money, or breakdance in the ghettos of Toronto for spare change.

But this is what makes his desire to help others so honest- and powerful.

It's also what makes the documentary about his life, Breakin' the Blues, a must-see at Brampton's inaugural presentation of Commffest- the Community Film Festival.

Commffest is a charitable organization that aims to bring communities together through their diversities. Local organization, Brampton Neighbourhood Resource Centre (BNRC)- an organization that promotes the quality of community life and offers programs for youth, immigrants and families- is partnering with the film fest to bring the event to Brampton's Cyril Clarke Theatre on Sept. 26.

The program presents two screenings of four films, and features eight short documentaries that explore themes ranging from youth issues to immigrant settlement.

"We wanted to bring the film festival to Brampton because we wanted to give people a taste of who BNRC is," said Laura Liscio, communications and outreach coordinator for BNRC.

Liscio said the organization is especially excited the festival is screening Breakin' the Blues because of Murphy's affiliation with BNRC.

Now, as well being a full-time high school student, Murphy teaches at-risk youth how to dance at the Brampton facility, and guides them to find strength through dance to overcome their hardships.

Murphy says the idea to make a documentary about his life came from BNRC CEO Dr. Anthony Hutchinson.

"Doc H offered me to teach a course for youth (breakdancing classes), and he got to know my life story little by little, and he told me I should make a documentary about my life," explained Murphy.

Although he resisted the proposal at first, he decided to go ahead with the project "so other people can see it and be inspired by it."

The film summarizes Murphy's young life and the struggles he overcame, and will be particularly enlightening for young people and parents of young people. It is the first film slated to screen during the event.

Murphy will attend the screening, to talk to viewers about the film. Commffest runs from 6 to 10 p.m. on Sept. 26.

For more information, or to attend, call 905-452-1262 or visit www.bnrc.org.