PRESS
“Riveting…an illuminating look at how real change occurs in these divisive times.
— Matt Fagerholm, RogerEbert.com
What people are saying
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"I just saw a film which grapples with the most important question, not just for politics, but for our species: what does it take to get people who disagree to work together?
— Harry Allen, journalist
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"One of the most nuanced, engrossing and thought-provoking films about political change to come out in years."
— Ken Jacobson, programmer, AFI DOCS
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“Kramer’s movie is a thoughtful work that raises real and weighty questions about identity, the value and limits of compromise, and the complicating nature of pride in the pursuit of change."
— Brent Simon, GOLDEN GLOBES NEWS
SELECTED PRESS COVERAGE
"Personal...compelling...human"
— Natalia Winkelman, NEW YORK TIMES
"The Kramer brothers are D.C. documentarians attuned to the guts of the policy-making process: The resulting arc resembles Schoolhouse Rock’s “How a Bill Becomes a Law,” with more length and suspense, less music, and a lot more Van Jones."
— Kathy Gilsinan, POLITICO
"The film reminds us that we must take small steps to achieve great things."
— THE HILL
"The First Step is a triumph of a documentary...This shows democracy at work and how the government can align in the name of justice and fairness..this film proves that Americans don’t need to make the country great again; it’s already great."
“Incredibly intimate, far-reaching in scope and engaging.”
— James Owen, COLUMBIA DAILY TRIBUNE
“As a film that looks intimately at what “bipartisan effort” means these days, its timeliness is evident.”
— Anselm Beach, DOCUMENTARY MAGAZINE
"A necessary watch for anyone involved in politics and activism, just to see the importance and the risks of crossing party lines."
— Joshua Gutman, THE KNOCKTURNAL
This incisive documentary is a snap shot of sharp and seemingly wide division of modern American politics and a behind-the-scenes look at how genuine bipartisanship, compromises and all, can still find majority support...even in a nation that voluntarily divides itself between blue hats and red hats."
— Paul Carlson, ESCAPE INTO FILM
“When progress is usually messier as it’s happening than when it’s remembered, the ability of The First Step to engage with the moment that it’s in is invaluable.”
— Stephan Saito, THE MOVEABLE FEST
“The First Step works because it’s as honest about the state of government as it is passionate about doing so.”
— Alan Ng, FILM THREAT
Much is made of the political divide in America. The First Step is a story of how, with grit and passion, bipartisanship is still possible when gridlock seems the norm.
— Catherine Michael, EDUCATIONAL MEDIA REVIEWS ONLINE
SELECTED INTERVIEWS AND PODCASTS
Panel with Van Jones, Brandon Kramer, Douglas Copenhaver, Tylo James, Lonnie Jones
moderated by Axios Justice and Race Reporter Russell Contreras, AFI DOCS
Interview with Van Jones, TAVIS SMILEY PODCAST
The First Step: An in-depth discussion with filmmakers & producers Lance & Brandon Kramer, NPR
Interview with Brandon Kramer & Chris Jenkins, GOLDEN GLOBES Around The World Podcast
Interview with Brandon & Lance Kramer, MOVIKARMA
‘The First Step’: A former Portlander’s documentary explores the art of the (political) deal, OREGON ARTSWATCH
Lance & Brandon Kramer Follow Van Jones’ Fight for Criminal Justice Reform in “The First Step,” WILLAMETTE WEEK
Negotiating a Criminal Justice Bill Across Party Lines w/ Jessica Jackson, THE NEGOTIATORS PODCAST
Interview with Brandon Kramer, FILM SCHOOL RADIO
Interview with Lance Kramer, ABC-KGON Channel 9 - TUCSON