DocLands Film Festival 2021 presents a conversation with 'A Once and Future Peace' Director Eric Metzgar and film subjects Saroeum Phoung and Harold Gatensby, moderated by DocLands Programmer, Kelly Clement.

Throughout ancient and modern times, Peacemaking Circles have long been used by Native American cultures as a practice to resolve conflict between individuals and their community. Based on Indigenous customs, these Circles provide a safe space for honest dialogue where barriers and stereotypes are broken down and damaged relationships can be healed. In his powerful new film, Emmy Award®-winning, San Francisco-based director Eric Daniel Metzger ('Reporter', 'A Film About Animals (For My Children to Watch When They Are Older)') creatively weaves animation and live action footage together to track a Mexican American teenager facing four felony charges as he struggles through the program, shepherded by a former Cambodian gang leader who is serving as his mentor. Filled with heart and passion, 'A Once and Future Peace' offers a rare opportunity to explore how Peacemaking Circles have been reimagined to keep our youth out of prison, garnering positive results in pilot restorative justice programs around the country.

About DOCLANDS

Presented by the California Film Institute, DocLands Documentary Film Festival brings compelling stories and the provocative insights behind them to Marin County, California May 7-16, 2021. Expanding upon the exchange of ideas and inspiration through public screenings, engaged conversations and grassroots networking events, DocLands aims to build an active, involved, fully supportive community around documentary film, dedicated to initiating connections and partnerships that will illuminate and invigorate the business and art of non-fiction filmmakers.

DOCLANDS Sections

Art of Impact engages and sparks action by sharing stories that open our eyes to the global community and its disparate cultures, politics, personal narratives, and biographies.

The Great Outdoors transports us outside to truly appreciate, explore, and ultimately compel us to save and conserve our environment and the wilds of our precious and precarious planet.

WonderLands lifts our spirits through stories of joy, wonder, and possibility.

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