Playhouse Square, 1501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115
Year: 2021
Country: USA
Language: English
Run Time: 89 minutes
Depending where you fall on the political spectrum, political commentator Van Jones may evoke an array of different emotions. To some, he is seen as a truth teller and a changemaker. To others, he is a talking head for the Democrats’ “Communist agenda.” And to a group of former supporters, Van Jones is seen as an untrustworthy traitor. An outspoken progressive voice on CNN, Jones has taken an increasingly controversial approach to getting things done… by reaching across the aisle. During the Trump administration, Jones worked tirelessly to create criminal justice reform, joining with the former president and his supporters to do so. Although Jones ran the risk of losing the backing of both sides by trying to pass a bipartisan bill, he pushed forward, continuing to bring people together who normally would never find themselves in the same room. An inside look at Jones’ courageous efforts and dedication to criminal justice reform, THE FIRST STEP is an intimate documentary that reframes what it means to make a difference and highlights the importance of continuing to have conversations with people of differing opinions.
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This event is sponsored by the 46th Cleveland International Film Festival.