This film block can be purchased at any time during the festival. BEST PRACTICE: Purchase and watch the film block before the scheduled Q&amp;A — then join us to chat with the filmmakers live. (You will automatically be issued a free ticket for the Live Q&amp;A when you purchase the Film Block)

Nkosi Gray-El asked for a yoga mat. It was not long after that he was offering a gentle healing practice to help his fellow inmates endure intense physical, mental, and emotional suffering behind bars.&nbsp; While mass incarceration continues to be weaponized to fuel a for-profit industry in the United States, this early childhood practice gave him the opportunity to help himself and others. In the years following his release, Nkosi recounts his journey, describes the conditions while serving time, and reveals the new challenges that he faces, today. ACTION OPPORTUNITY: This film contains action items. Learn how to make an impact <a href="https://changefest2021.eventive.org/films/613931b2b1c50000c319169a" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.

Nkosi Eclipsed

When a small New Jersey city realizes it cannot solve the epidemic of gun violence by arresting their way out of the problem — they try another strategy. With funding from the Attorney General's office, the city pilots a program to support those who are at risk for reentering the criminal justice system: Trenton Violence Reduction Strategy.&nbsp; With the help of a formerly incarcerated activist and a team of city residents, a young female police detective creates a program whose goal is to support and mentor — rather than punish those who are at risk for recidivism. Over the course of a year, we witness the struggle to keep this small but vital program alive as they confront the enormity of the task at hand. Seven Square Miles looks at the limitations of the criminal justice system in tackling issues driven by poverty and race and explores the possibilities of compassionate humane policing. ACTION OPPORTUNITY: This film contains action items. Learn how to make an impact <a href="https://changefest2021.eventive.org/films/613931b3b1c50000c31916cf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.

Seven Square Miles

What happens to your life when you are arrested for a non-violent crime but you're stuck in jail only because you are poor and don't have the money for your release? How did we get here? Every year, millions of Americans are incarcerated before even being convicted of a crime — all because they can't afford to post bail.&nbsp; Trapped: Cash Bail in America shines a light on our deeply flawed criminal justice system and the activists working to reform it. This film explores the growing movement to end the inherent economic and racial inequalities of cash bail, while highlighting victims impacted by an unjust system, the tireless campaigners fighting for criminal justice reform, and a bail industry lobbying to maintain the status quo. ACTION OPPORTUNITY: This film contains action items. Learn how to make an impact <a href="https://changefest2021.eventive.org/films/613931b3b1c50000c31916d2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.

Trapped: Cash Bail in America

Fireboys is the untold story of young men incarcerated in California who are offered a way out: by fighting wildfires.&nbsp; Immersive and personal, this coming-of-age story is told from the perspectives of young men as they summon the courage to fight fires and confront their pasts. Alex Bailon, 18, who we meet in prison, and Chuy Hernandez, 20, who is about to be released after serving his sentence, have both enrolled as volunteer firefighters for the California Department of Corrections and Cal Fire’s conservation “fire” camp program. Among the 43 camps across the state, Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp alone is staffed exclusively by juveniles (young people under the age of 21).&nbsp; Following these young men from prison, fighting wildfires in the forests of California, and finally, back to their homes on the outside, Fireboys examines a correctional path that is both hopeful and destructive. California’s fire camps promote Alex and Chuy’s rehabilitation but also exploit their labor to address one of the state’s most urgent environmental problems. ACTION OPPORTUNITY: This film contains action items. Learn how to make an impact <a href="https://changefest2021.eventive.org/films/613931b3b1c50000c31916da" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.

Fireboys

When these five Black lawyers set out on their journeys to receive a professional legal education, they did not realize that they would have to struggle against additional daily battles even more challenging than the rigors of learning the law in a hypercompetitive environment. They discover the contradictions of studying in an institution that idealistically represents "justice" for all.

Becoming Black Lawyers

Making an Exoneree follows the emotional journey of 16 Georgetown undergraduate students who reinvestigate five wrongful conviction cases. These social justice warriors battle the system and successfully help free a man who was wrongfully incarcerated for over 25 years. For media requests, please reach out to <a href="mailto:strongisland@miller-pr.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Strongisland@miller-pr.com</a>. ACTION OPPORTUNITY: This film contains action items. Learn how to make an impact <a href="https://changefest2021.eventive.org/films/613931b3b1c50000c319170a" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.

Making An Exoneree

Film Block: Incarceration and Criminal Justice Reform

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ChangeFest is a transformative experience that occupies the intersection of storytelling and activism to educate and inspire the international community on global wrongs, while also pairing that experience with opportunities to get involved with organizations committed to righting the wrongs.

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