Healing Trauma: Beyond Gangs and Prisons
Brave New Films’ short documentary Healing Trauma: Beyond Gangs and Prisons dives into the inner struggle of former gang members whose childhood trauma inevitably led to an anger that resulted in a criminal lifestyle and landed them in prison. Upon their release, these former gang members found their redemption with Homeboy Industries, Father Greg Boyle, and the many re-integrating programs offered through the Los Angeles-based organization. Healing Trauma: Beyond Gangs and Prisons follows the transformative stories of some of these former gang members as they share their adverse childhood experiences, gang involvement, and the hope they now have through the healing power of therapy.
“A compelling film proving the redemptive, healing power of humanity.”
– Michael Douglas“All the possibilities for renewal, for an open horizon, for an undreamed of good and happy life for gang members who break the cycle of violence, are glimpsed in the miracles worked daily at Homeboy Industries. To witness the achievement of the people in this film - some therapists, some volunteers, some former gang members turned counselors - is to witness God's work on the ground; it gives us real and practical hope for the future.”
– Meryl Streep"An incredibly moving, inspiring, and hopeful film about the transformative power of creating community, making meaningful connections and investing in people."
– Arianna Huffington“Extraordinary, Powerful, Moving”
– Jane Fonda
This film is a part of the Healing Trauma Series that profiles two different programs that aim to reduce recidivism by providing holistic, trauma-informed approaches that treat each individual as a person instead of further criminalizing them. Check out the full series to learn how we can address the root causes that lead people to incarceration without resorting to imprisonment, and provide alternatives that truly heal people.
