Director’s Statement
History may be written by "the victors,” but documentaries are our opportunity to correct incomplete narratives and challenge us to experience the struggles of others. For the cops and community members I documented, the film became an important chance to share a counter-narrative about policing most wouldn’t know. As a filmmaker, I’ve learned that journalistic practice may help us to be rigorous with investigative information, but following all the rules can sometimes keep us away from a deeper story. To demonstrate systemic criminal justice problems there were many times the subjects, and eventually I, felt the need to "steal" certain scenes in order to unearth more troubling human conditions and experiences invisible to the world. I was often reminded how the filming process may not be tidy and sometimes beckons to what is needed, but only if we stay open and listen.