"The First Step" Free Documentary Film Screening

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This award-winning documentary profiles progressive activist and political commentator Van Jones who works across party lines on landmark criminal justice reform and a more humane response to the addiction crisis. Attempting to be a bridge builder in a time of extreme polarization takes Van and an unlikely coalition of allies deep into the inner workings of the divisive Trump administration, internal debates within both parties, and the lives of frontline activists fighting for their communities.
Facing fierce opposition from both political parties in a climate where bipartisanship has become a dirty word, Jones and his team enlist the support of formerly incarcerated individuals, faith leaders, grassroots activists and cultural figures in an attempt to pass legislation that would fix some broken aspects of the justice system and bring thousands of incarcerated people home early. The bill’s champions immediately find themselves navigating a high-stakes game of political chess in Washington, D.C. where Jones is condemned by the right for his progressive beliefs and by the left for working with conservatives.
Film director Brandon Kramer will lead a Q&A with the audience after the film screening. The film, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, has been shown at more than 40 film festivals across the country.
This film screening is part of the Takoma Park Arts event series organized by the City of Takoma Park’s Arts and Humanities Division, which includes free film screenings, art exhibitions, concerts, theater, poetry readings, and dance performances. Please go to takomaparkmd.gov/arts and sign up for our e-newsletter for more info about all of our upcoming events.