The First Step

This film had all the aspects of an engaging documentary. There's some good action and nail biting suspense with Van Jones and team trying to archive their seemingly impossible goal. There are also universal themes as Van explores his early life and serves as a imperfect leader on a hero's journey to tryIng to make a positive chance against all odds. There are so many problems with the criminal justice system and this film thoughtfully explores that while capturing visually stunning backdrops in DC, South Central LA, and West Virginia. This story mirrors the high emotional stakes of a country that is currently in turmoil, and highlights the people who are working to hard to try to make things better.

The First Step explores contemporary "politics" on the ground and in a very nuanced, compelling, and intimate way. The documentary doesn't follow a simple three-act structure or devolve into biopic territory. Importantly, it does raise critical questions about the opportunities and challenges for making progressive social change in general and building support for legislation in particular. The First Step is a powerful film, perfect for students as well as those interested in an intense, verite-style documentary about our contentious political moment.

I think the filmmakers did an excellent job of capturing this time period, the struggles that Van faced internally and externally, and most of all capturing so many key human moments. I can't imagine how difficult this story was to tell with all the footage and all the moments and they grabbed just enough of each moment to touch us without going too far afield.

More importantly, the filmmakers remind us of how important it is to work across the isle no matter how difficult. Are there problems with how it was done, maybe, but if Trump is re-elected or someone of a similar bent in 2024, we will all be looking back at this film trying to figure out how to make lemonade out of a terrible situation. With gerrymandering, massive voter supression and the fillibuster we may very well have a Repulican back in office in 2024. We need to not only organize to stop this and put forth an agenda that helps all Americans, but we also ned to have a back up plan which this film gives us insight into.

This film gives you hope that in our polarized times that there is a path forward, but it will take bravery and smarts to get there.

The filmmakers were able to get unexpected access to politicians and decisions makers while the legislative process was happening. In most other documentaries all you get is interview recaps. ...this rally grounded the film and connects you emotionally to the tension that the subjects were feeling as they fought for progress.

This film is beautifully presented in a way that you learn and think about perspectives you may not have previously considered. It goes beyond "right and left" to expose the underbelly of politics and the reality of what changemakers face in their daily engagement with it. Many folks have preconceptions about Van Jones when they hear that this film is about him. A captivating, humanizing and important film. See for yourself.