I watched this documentary a few weeks ago, and my mind keeps coming back to it over and over again. In an age where so many documentaries try to sell an idea or point of view, The First Step is a breath of fresh air. It is a film that moves me deeply because it shows the incredible difficulty of working on politics and, especially, policy. This is all the more amplified when the topic is connected to racial justice and criminal justice reform.
It is difficult to overstate the effort that the filmmakers took to show different perspectives and points of view through the film. Van Jones and all the other people in the film are portrayed as humans, with all the complexities, limitations and messiness that comes with being a human. They are treated with respect and given a voice.
I caught myself wishing for more documentaries like this many times since I watched it. However, I also realize that this is a special gem given the quality of the characters and filmmakers. Most importantly, there is the serendipity of those cameras having been on as history was being made.
It is difficult to overstate the effort that the filmmakers took to show different perspectives and points of view through the film. Van Jones and all the other people in the film are portrayed as humans, with all the complexities, limitations and messiness that comes with being a human. They are treated with respect and given a voice.
I caught myself wishing for more documentaries like this many times since I watched it. However, I also realize that this is a special gem given the quality of the characters and filmmakers. Most importantly, there is the serendipity of those cameras having been on as history was being made.