The “Movies That Matter: Informing Your Vote” series from the Franciscan Peace Center continues in July with a virtual screening of The First Step.  Advance registration is required to view the film online between July 16-29.  Discussion sessions will be held on July 30.

The film describes how, in a divided America, advocate Van Jones controversially worked across party lines on landmark criminal justice reform and a more humane response to America's addiction crisis. 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 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 the 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. 

Featuring Van Jones, V. P. Kamala Harris, Jared Kushner, & Kim Kardashian, the film exposes a divided America as Van Jones works across party lines on landmark criminal justice reform & a more humane response to America's addiction crisis.

More than 20,000 people have come home from prison as a result of the First Step Act.

After registering for the event, participants will receive a link to view the film online at their convenience between July 16-29.  Viewers are invited to choose to attend one of two discussion sessions on Tuesday, July 30 at either 10:00 AM or 6:00 PM CST. 

There is no cost associated with viewing the films or participating in the discussion sessions. Interested individuals will need to register online at https://form.jotform.com/241696403163153  to secure their spot in this transformative series.

The “Movies That Matter: Informing Your Vote” series offers monthly access to thought-provoking documentaries addressing a spectrum of topics relevant to voters, including immigration, gun violence, overcoming partisanship, care of the Earth, voting rights, and more. Each film will be available for streaming over a two-week period, providing ample opportunity for reflection and dialogue.