The First Step

In a time of incredible political deadlock, The First Step shows what it's like to find a middle ground, along with the benefits and the consequences of compromise. The film not only gives viewers an inside look into the complexity and messiness of the legislative process, but it also is a moving portrait of Van Jones and his evolution as a social justice advocate.

While there have been numerous political documentaries in recent decades, many get caught up in partisan bias. And thats where the First Step succeeds, doing its best to bring the viewer in without forcing a specific perspective, leaving the audience to recognize that nothing is complete and progress is an ever evolving.

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.

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.

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.

There was so much I wanted to discuss after watcing The First Step. Van Jones' work is a fascinating window into some important issues of our time. I was blown away by Van's passion, eloquence, and willingness to dive into controversy for what he believes. The tension between ideologic purity and the messiness of compromise and bridge-building needed to get stuff done was absolutely captivating. The filmmakers display a lot of integrity and kindness in allowing space for a variety of people to express their deep, passionate opinions, most of which are informed by experiences with the cruelty of incarceration, racism, and addiction. The intimate footage with an all-star cast of celebrities and politicians is incredible, but the humanity, courage, and suffering of the non-celebrity people presented in the film moved me to tears multiple times. Both my brain and heart worked hard.