Film Festival to explore power of second chances
August 20, 2026
Santa Fe College’s Freedom to Learn program will hold "Freedom to Learn Film Festival: A Premier Event” on September 23, 2026.
The program will be held at 7 p.m. at the Lyceum on the Northwest Campus.
The evening is centered on two short films that explore the transformative power of education, healing and second chances.
The Silent (R)evolution: Freedom from the Inside Out tells the story of Julius Irving, whose unexpected courtroom experience becomes the catalyst for a deeply personal journey of accountability, healing, and transformation. As he navigates a system often focused on punishment rather than restoration, Julius discovers that true freedom is built through education, mentorship, and community.
Uncarcerated challenges us to imagine a different response to mental health crises by asking a powerful question: What if we treated mental health as a public health issue rather than a criminal justice issue? The film invites audiences to consider how compassion, care, and community-based solutions can create pathways to healthier individuals and stronger communities.
Following the screenings, viewers are encouraged to stay for a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring the filmmakers and SF students reflecting on the films' themes, moderated by SF’s Jason Frank. Together, they will explore the impact of education, rehabilitation, peer mentorship, and community support in creating opportunities for justice-impacted individuals and reducing future system involvement.
The program includes a welcome from Santa Fe College President Paul Broadie and closing remarks from Shelby Mikkelson, Freedom to Learn Specialist.
Santa Fe College’s Freedom to Learn program provides academic and college support for students who have been impacted by the justice system or who have family members who have. The program seeks to provide an accepting and accessible space for students with these unique experiences. The program also seeks to inform the community on the role education plays in reducing recidivism and promoting safer, stronger communities.
Whether you are an educator, student, community member, criminal justice professional, mental health advocate, or simply someone who believes in the power of education to change lives, this event offers an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about building stronger communities through learning, hope, and human potential.
