![Van Jones Pursues Criminal Justice Reform In The First Step [EXCLUSIVE CLIP]](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/the-first-step-1.jpg "Van Jones Pursues Criminal Justice Reform In The First Step [EXCLUSIVE CLIP]")
Screen Rant is proud to present an exclusive clip from the documentary The First Step. This award-winning documentary takes an inside look at Van Jones’ fight to pass landmark criminal justice reform as he struggles to work with both the right and left during the heavily divisive Trump presidency. Jones’ attempts at bipartisanship are met with derision from both sides, showing a seemingly impossible divide to cross in America’s leadership.
The First Step premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, and from there, it was an official selection at over forty festivals, both internationally and across more than 30 states in the U.S. The First Step will open theatrically in New York at the DCTV Firehouse on February 17, followed by Washington, DC, at the JxJ Theater on February 19, and Los Angeles at the Laemmle Royal Theater on February 24, before screenings in key cities throughout February and March. The First Step features key political figures including U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. Senator Rand Paul, and former President Donald Trump, as well as cultural figures including Kim Kardashian.
More About The First Steps
Screen Rant’s exclusive shows Louis L. Reed, who works for Jones, meeting with a group of incarcerated men. He explains that Jones’ organization, Cut 50, has the goal of bipartisan criminal justice reform. He asks the men how they would change the criminal justice system. They talk about the need for rehabilitation instead of extended imprisonment and the need for strong support when released, especially after longer prison sentences. Jones, an attorney, activist, and journalist, shares why he is so passionate about this criminal justice system reform.
The First Step is a riveting documentary that pulls back the curtain on politics, forcing audiences to see just how ineffective the government has become, with Republicans and Democrats more worried about political clout and perceptions of loyalty than helping the people they are meant to serve. With the idea of bipartisanship seen as disloyal instead of effective in a long-lasting way. Jones makes the point that real change can’t be made by a single party but must be made with everyone at the table is expressed.
The First Step is directed by Brandon Kramer and produced by Lance Kramer. The First Step features Van Jones, Jared Kushner, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Cory Booker, Senator Shelly Capito, Senator Rand Paul, Senator Mike Lee, Mayor Karen Bass, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, Patrisse Cullors, Charlemagne Tha God, Karen Hunter, Donald Trump, Kim Kardashian, and many more. The First Step is distributed by 8 Above and will be shown theatrically across the U.S. in February and March, with a VOD release on all major platforms to follow.
The First Step will open in select theaters across the U.S. throughout February and March, premiering theatrically in New York on February 17 as DCTV Firehouse.