Film Review: THE FIRST STEP (2023) DIR. BRANDON KRAMER
Film Still © The First Step
An apt subtitle for this documentary about the tactics and maneuvers of the social justice activist Van Jones could be The Loneliness of the Long Distance Advocate. The charismatic Yale graduate, champion of the underserved, and effective community organizer, whose tireless efforts to bring together people with radically different points of view have led to impressive outcomes as well as caused him to be both vilified and praised by the left and the right. He is presented as a passionate missionary for justice leading an almost monastic life of dedication to the work.
Film Still © The First Step
The title of the film refers to the bill which he was largely responsible for shepherding through the contentious Congress of the Trump presidency. The First Step bill was the starting point in what was expanded to include many facets of prison reform. It addressed police brutality, inequities in sentencing, inhumane prison conditions and lack of emphasis on rehabilitation for those who have served their time and face more hurdles upon re-entry to freedom. This was not an area that Republican politicians had not been remotely interested in pursuing. It was Jones reaching out to Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law which was the lynchpin to forming a coalition of diverse victims of the system who presented their case to an equally diverse coalition of members of Congress, including Kamala Harris, Hakim Jeffries and Bernie Sanders as well as Rand Paul, Kellyanne Conway and ultimately Donald Trump. The cause got a huge and unexpected boost from Kim Kardashian’s trip to the White House as an advocate.
Film Still © The First Step
What is fascinatingly revealed is the machinations involved in managing the elements in all of the factions involved which are emphatically not all speaking with the same voice. Jones is not immune from misspeaking or being misunderstood. He has some very creative ideas which lead to breakthroughs on the micro as well as macro level. One of those involves two groups of victims of drug addiction, traditionally considered to be the purview of of the Black population. Jones realizes that the opioid epidemic is impacting the white population equally and brings together a group from south Los Angeles and has them interact with a group from the poorest parts of West Virginia who are white. It is a vivid lesson in the possibilities which can open up when disparate parties can unite over a common problem, recognize the humanity in each other and seek common solutions.
Film Still © The First Step
Film Still © The First Step
There are some touching personal scenes from Jones’ extraordinary family which help to explain his intense commitment to making a difference. They appear to be a very loving and supportive family with high values instilled in Jones and his twin sister. He is an exceptionally talented man whose work has produced tangible results. The First Step bill brought 10,000 prisoners out of prison early. The work is not finished sadly as we still have 2.2 million incarcerated Americans, which is more than any other country. Let’s hope Van Jones inspires others to take up the mantle for human rights. He is a most impressive man.
Film Still © The First Step
