The First Step

The First Step explores contemporary "politics" on the ground and in a very nuanced, compelling, and intimate way. The documentary doesn't follow a simple three-act structure or devolve into biopic territory. Importantly, it does raise critical questions about the opportunities and challenges for making progressive social change in general and building support for legislation in particular. The First Step is a powerful film, perfect for students as well as those interested in an intense, verite-style documentary about our contentious political moment.

I think the filmmakers did an excellent job of capturing this time period, the struggles that Van faced internally and externally, and most of all capturing so many key human moments. I can't imagine how difficult this story was to tell with all the footage and all the moments and they grabbed just enough of each moment to touch us without going too far afield.

More importantly, the filmmakers remind us of how important it is to work across the isle no matter how difficult. Are there problems with how it was done, maybe, but if Trump is re-elected or someone of a similar bent in 2024, we will all be looking back at this film trying to figure out how to make lemonade out of a terrible situation. With gerrymandering, massive voter supression and the fillibuster we may very well have a Repulican back in office in 2024. We need to not only organize to stop this and put forth an agenda that helps all Americans, but we also ned to have a back up plan which this film gives us insight into.

This film gives you hope that in our polarized times that there is a path forward, but it will take bravery and smarts to get there.

The filmmakers were able to get unexpected access to politicians and decisions makers while the legislative process was happening. In most other documentaries all you get is interview recaps. ...this rally grounded the film and connects you emotionally to the tension that the subjects were feeling as they fought for progress.

This is a beautiful, moving, insightful look at how the sausage really gets made in these polarized times. Van Jones is the central figure, but this not hagiography. The story is much larger, and the filmmakers' ambitions far greater than simply profiling an individual. They have their camera trained on the divisions that have come to characterize not just our politics but our very sense of self -- and also the resounding good that can come from transcending those divisions.

The film is not at all didactic or bombastic. It's a gentle film, filled with empathy, humor, and, most crucially, optimism. With the remarkable access the filmmakers got to the White House, and particularly to Jared Kushner, they could have taken a mocking, flippant tone, but they do not -- Kushner, as much as Jones, is depicted by the film as a human being first, and at least in this instance, pushing for change that will deliver real help to thousands of Americans. The same open-hearted view of people and politics is on full display in the sequences showing Jones brings together black West coast activists and white West Virginian Trump supporters. Commonalities quickly override differences, friendships and mutual purpose form, and we get to see -- for once -- Red America and Blue America actually talk to each other.

This film is, if not an antidote, at least a tonic for the daily tribal warfare that defines us. Do yourself a favor and watch it.

This film is beautifully presented in a way that you learn and think about perspectives you may not have previously considered. It goes beyond "right and left" to expose the underbelly of politics and the reality of what changemakers face in their daily engagement with it. Many folks have preconceptions about Van Jones when they hear that this film is about him. A captivating, humanizing and important film. See for yourself.