A brief look into the lives of three young people-in-custody, from their involvement in juvenile justice reform to the building where they spend their days.

Green Hill

A brief look into the lives of three young people-in-custody, from their involvement in juvenile justice reform to the building where they spend their days.

In 2023, the nonprofit Impact Justice led a diverse group of Americans on a journey to Finland to understand how Nordic countries have reduced their reliance on incarceration by relying on housing and social supports, and maintaining prisons that look very different from those in the United States. Often known as the "Nordic Model," these countries have created prison environments that are designed to nurture people’s growth and return home, rather than to punish and exclude them from society. As California begins to implement aspects of the Nordic Model in prisons like San Quentin, "Building Justice: A Journey to Finland" asks the question: What is possible here in the United States?

Building Justice: A Journey to Finland

The nonprofit Impact Justice led a diverse group of Americans on a journey to Finland to understand how Nordic countries have reduced their reliance on incarceration.

FIRELINE tells the story of an inmate firefighter desperately trying to call home while battling a wildfire with his crew. Today, 30% of CalFire Fire Dept. is supplemented by prison labor despite no clear pathway to employment upon release. FIRELINE is a tribute to the unsung heroes on the frontlines in the battle against climate change. The film stars Bobby Soto (The Tax Collector, Flamin' Hot) and is produced by Lena Waithe's Hillman Grad and Indeed's Rising Voices Program.

Fireline

FIRELINE tells the story of an inmate desperately trying to call home while battling a wildfire. The film is a tribute to the firefighters fighting climate change on the front lines.

Our opening night feature film, Path to Freedom, is a collaboration between the Social Justice Film Institute and Families Shoulder to Shoulder. This nonprofit organization assists families in criminal court trials, clemency hearings, parole hearings, and resentencing hearings.

Pathway to Freedom

Our opening night feature film, Path to Freedom, is a collaboration between the Social Justice Film Institute and Families Shoulder to Shoulder. This nonprofit organization assists families in criminal court trials, clemency hearings, parole hearings, and resentencing hearings.

North America

SJFF 25 - Film Block - A

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You can watch most films in the 2025 SJFF program at home on our Eventive Virtual Cinema platform from April 14 – 20.

Join us as we celebrate another year of insightful storytelling, amazing visuals, and memorable moments in social justice film. 

Here's what's coming up soon. Can't make it? No sweat. Many live streams will be available for on-demand viewing as well.