Van Jones, media personality, entrepreneur, and change-maker, controversially works across party lines on landmark criminal justice reform and a more humane response to America’s addiction crisis. Attempting to be a bridge builder in a time of extreme polarization takes him deep into the inner workings of a divisive 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 justice-impacted individuals, faith leaders, grassroots activists, and cultural figures — including Kim Kardashian — 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. Their quest brings them face-to-face with progressive champions like Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, U.S. Senators Kamala Harris and Bernie Sanders, as well as conservative figures like U.S. Senator Rand Paul, Kellyanne Conway, Jared Kushner — and ultimately, Donald Trump himself.
While trying to pass a bipartisan bill through a deeply polarized Congress, Jones is condemned by the right for his progressive beliefs — and by the left for working with conservatives. The film reveals an intimate portrait of an activist’s isolation and internal struggles, what it takes to make a change in a divided nation, and everyday people in both political parties drawn into a historic fight for freedom and justice.
The First Step is an independent production of Meridian Hill Pictures and Magic Labs Media, in association with Kartemquin Films and Big Mouth Productions. The film will be shown at the following venues:
New York – February 17 – DCTV Firehouse (1-week run)
Washington, D.C. – February 19 – JxJ Theater (1-week run)
Los Angeles – February 24 – Laemmle Royal Theater (1-week run)
For further information visit:
- Website: https://www.firststepfilm.com
- Instagram: @firststepmovie
- Twitter: @firststepmovie
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firststepmovie
Image provided by Emma Griffiths, courtesy of Meridian Hill Pictures
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