Synopsis
Van Jones navigates increasingly tense and isolating political and racial divides in his attempt to become a “bridge builder” during the Trump administration.
The First Step
Cast
Van Jones Louis L. Reed Jessica Jackson Virgie Walker Pete White Tylo James Fabian Debora Douglas Copenhaver Martin West William Thompson Rhonda Edmunds Jared Kushner Bernie Sanders Cory Booker Kamala Harris Shelley Moore Capito Rand Paul Mike Lee Karen Bass Bonnie Watson Coleman Patrisse Cullors Charlamagne Tha God Karen Hunter Kim Kardashian
Director
Producer
Cinematography
Executive Producers
David Arquette Abigail Disney Deon Taylor Regina K. Scully Christina McLarty Arquette Roxanne Avent Robert F. Smith Brad Buhr Bryanna Sapp Daniel S. Loeb
Composer
Studios
Artemis Rising Hidden Empire Film Group Meridian Hill Pictures Fork Films Magic Labs Media Kartemquin Films Big Mouth Productions
Country
Language
Genre
Releases by Date
Premiere
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USA
Tribeca Film Festival
Theatrical limited
17 Feb 2023
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USA
Digital
04 Apr 2023
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UK
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USA
Releases by Country
UK
04 Apr 2023
- Digital
USA
10 Jun 2021
- Premiere Tribeca Film Festival
17 Feb 2023
- Theatrical limited
04 Apr 2023
- Digital
Popular reviews
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A relatively interesting, almost always illuminating documentary centered on Van Jones and his involvement in passing prison reform during Trump’s presidency. I feel as though the documentary intentionally avoids making Jones look exceptionally great or exceptionally flawed, which proves as a nice reflection of the bipartisanship he seems wholly committed to pursuing.
I definitely don’t always agree with Jones’ stances but I do appreciate his commitment to communication.
The First Step proves to be a nicely framed and paced documentary from Brandon Kramer that went by far faster than I was expecting.
Tribeca Film Festival 2021 Watch #1
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Not the puff piece I was afraid it would be.
Every lingering shot of Van in contemplative poses is balanced out by a clip of him being a little too chummy with Jared Kushner.
It’s him dealing with the consequences of the latter that I found most appealing.Is there a better encapsulation of Trump-era uncertainty than the L.A. organizer declining to even enter the White House for fear of Trump twisting his presence into propaganda?
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This documentary follows Van Jones as he attempts to get prison reformed passed during the Trump administration by working with Republicans. I appreciated that the film gave voice to people on the left who were/are critical of him.
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AFI Docs 2021: Film 1
Jared Kushner gets more screen time in The First Step than he got during the entire 4 years of the Trump presidency.
In all seriousness though, The First Step's main draw is showcasing that nuance and common ground can still be found in our contemporary hyper-partisan society. While I may not agree with some of the choices and approaches Van Jones has made, it's hard to deny that his efforts did lean to real bipartisan change.
My favorite moments of the film are when we see the group comprised of South Central and West Virginian individuals. These folks disagree on probably 90% of issues, but were able to find a similarity, listen to one another…
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Van Jones: Activist for prison reform.
Also Van Jones: I sleep in a racing car, do you?
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Where To Watch: opens theatrically in New York on February 17 (DCTV Firehouse), Washington, D.C. on February 19 (JxJ Theater), and in Los Angeles on February 24 (Laemmle Royal Theater) with additional screenings in February and March 2023. A VOD Release on major platforms will also follow
RAVING REVIEW: This documentary takes us on a journey with none other than Van Jones, a media personality and activist, as he takes on the daunting task of passing a groundbreaking criminal justice bill focused on prison reform. Despite facing opposition from political parties and a polarized America, Van Jones works tirelessly to address the nation's addiction crisis and reform its criminal justice system. THE FIRST STEP is an essential viewing experience for…
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Who is Van Jones? Those who do not routinely watch news telecasts might not be familiar with the political commentator, though Brandon Kramer‘s The First Step will quickly get you up to speed with Jones and his line of work. Jones is a constant contributor to CNN where he hosts and co-hosts various shows. Outside of his political commentary, Jones founded a number of non-profit organizations, the most notable being Dream Corps, known for their initiatives to support underprivileged families and communities.
But Jones isn’t without his eccentricities. He has a knack for putting his foot in his mouth and rustling feathers, both of which he accomplishes through the passing of the First Step Act and his comments…
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CNN commentator Van Jones champions the hot-button issue of prison reform amid a divided nation to see if bipartisanship is still possible.
film review: www.escapeintofilm.com/home/tribeca-film-festival-movie-review-the-first-step-documentary
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A film about sacrifice.
On a global scale: By working with your enemy today, are you delaying revolution or enabling it?
On a personal scale: Would you willingly, knowingly and openly sacrifice the respect and admiration of your home team in order to fight for the survival of strangers?
Jones is a devout incrementalist who can’t wait to sacrifice his reputation to reunite 17,000 prisoners with their families. Of all people, it’s Kim Kardashian that crystalizes this sentiment -- that it comes from her is on point.
Here’s how far down the Hating Hellhole we’ve come: we encounter a man who is genuinely striving for righteousness through personal sacrifice and, what's more, living in full accountability... and we don't even…
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TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL 2021
Film #2
“I think we have got to develop a common set of values that will hold us together in times when it gets difficult”
This was a very powerful and very important documentary about Van Jones making a difference in the political lime light by trying to pass a bill for racial equality in our justice system. A story that definitely needs to be told but I found this kind of boring and lackluster. Wish it did more with it’s material because it felt rather generic. I’m definitely glad I saw this though as I feel it’s required viewing for people to understand our country better and how we can come together to take that…
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