Arkansas Cinema Society to host criminal justice panel during filmland
The Arkansas Cinema Society and Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival are teaming up again to promote The First Step, a documentary that captures the personal journey of Black progressive activist and political commentator Van Jones during his effort to reform a broken criminal justice system.
Presented by the Rahman Family Fund, the ACS will host a panel on Criminal Justice Reform with Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr., Executive Director of F.E.L.O.N. and Dream Corps Justice Organizer Ruby Welch, State Senator Clarke Tucker, and Executive Producers of The First Step, David & Christina McLarty Arquette - led by Dr. Johanna Rahman. The panel will take place on Saturday Oct. 2 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm at MacArthur Park Parade Grounds, located at 601 E. 9th St. in Little Rock.
This panel is in conjunction with a screening of the film, The First Step, on Sunday, Oct.10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Malco Theater, located at 817 Central Ave. in Hot Springs, during the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival. The screening will be followed by a panel featuring the film’s director Brandon Kramer, producer Lance Kramer and the film’s subject Louis L. Reed. The First Step premiered at Tribeca Film Festival.
The Rahman Family Fund, composed of Mizan Rahman and Elizabeth Barnett, Robbin Rahman and Dr. Johanna Rahman issued a statement about their participation in this event:
“As the owners of Harvest Cannabis Dispensary, it has truly been an honor to participate in the healing of so many Arkansans through the use of medical marijuana. But we believe that, with this privilege, also comes the moral imperative to help heal the many Arkansans harmed by illconceived drug laws and an inherently racist, unjust criminal system. It is our hope that, through our partnership with ACS, we will advance the nationwide movement, right here in Arkansas, towards a more just system for all.”
“While ACS is not directly involved in activism, film can be a powerful tool to start hard but necessary conversations. Our panelists have invested themselves in this critical, bipartisan issue and we are so grateful that they are willing to take time to share their expertise and shine a light on criminal justice reform, both nationally and locally.” said ACS Executive Director Kathryn Tucker. “And of course, we are always thrilled to collaborate with our friends at the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival. By working together with other festivals and organizations, we can truly build a network that feeds our film communities statewide.”
“We are thrilled to partner one again with our friends at the Arkansas Cinema Society to co-present a special screening of The First Step, directed by HSDFF alum Brandon Kramer,” said HSDFF Executive Director Jennifer Gerber. “This film illustrates the importance of putting policy before politics and follows CNN political contributor, Van Jones, as he works with the Trump administration to advocate for criminal justice reform.”
Political allegiance is a tricky thing when your mission is to undo decades of damage wrought by your own party. Add in the additional complication that the only path forward for the progressive legislation you’ve worked on for years is through the Trump White House. Follow Van Jones as he attempts to pass a criminal justice reform bill called The First Step Act, an effort that may make him a pariah to many in his own community.
In order to gain entry to all events at Filmland in the Park you must be fully vaccinated and need to show proof in the form of an official vaccination card, digital card, or photo of your vaccination card OR you must present a NEGATIVE PCR, LAMP, or Antigen COVID-19 test within the last 48 hours. Masks must be worn at all times when you are visiting the Cantina or unable to socially distance.
The Arkansas Cinema Society's Filmland is a curated annual celebration of cinema with a mission to nurture and inspire filmmakers in Arkansas by exposing Arkansans to filmmakers and their art. This hybrid event features Filmland in the Park and the Filmland: Arkansas Digital Experience. Members receive free access to the full Filmland Digital Experience, 50% off tickets to Filmland in the Park, and advance notice when tickets go on sale for all events. Memberships are $50 and available now on the ACS website. Stay up to date with announcements about Filmland features and events on our website: filmland.org
ACS is a non-profit committed to building a film community in Arkansas where film lovers can watch films, share ideas, connect with each other, and nurture the new and existing film talent within our state through increased exposure to filmmakers and their art. Those interested in supporting ACS can visit their website at arkansascinemasociety.org.
Each year, with the help of a small staff and over 100 dedicated volunteers, Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival attracts thousands of visitors to the 9-day multicultural and intergenerational event. Now approaching its 30th year as the oldest all-documentary festival in North America and one of the longest running non-fiction festivals in the world, the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival remains a prominent champion and protector of the documentary film genre.
To learn more, visit www.hsdfi.org.