By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3.5 cats
Director: Brandon Kramer
Country: united_states
Year: 2021
Running time: 90
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14574078/reference
Vicki says: “THE FIRST STEP tells the story of Van Jones’( the CNN commentator) push to pass the Prison Reform Act, not an easy task in a country so divided. The documentary takes a ‘fly on the wall’ approach which captures everything warts and all. It is a very honest and revealing portrait of Jones.
“It is pretty clear that Jones had to put aside his political and philosophical differences to get this Act passed. He had to work directly with Jared Kushner and even praised Trump once the Bill was signed. For this he received much criticism, but he stands up to it and argues that “the ends justify the means.”
“Throughout the film we see Jones as a bridge builder. When he brings together a group of community activists from South Central LA with another group from West Virginia to talk about the opioid crisis, it is very moving and powerful. To imagine these groups working together is hard, but they do bond and join Jones in his reform efforts.
“All in all, the film was quite informative and it changed my view of Van Jones as just another CNN talking head. 3.5 cats
“Screened at the Tribeca Festival 2021“