Over the past two weeks, we proudly hosted two exceptional events to unveil a series of 10 powerful short films, created in collaboration with 10 of our member organisations and Media Trust. The films highlight critical issues within the criminal justice system while celebrating authentic voices and stories that demand to be heard.
Exclusive premiere at Warner Brothers
On Monday, 18 November, we premiered all 10 films to an exclusive audience at Warner House in London. The screening was followed by a thought provoking panel discussion chaired by Tom McNeil, CJA Trustee and CEO of JABBS Foundation for women and girls. The panel comprised:
- Nick Alexander, Filmmaker and Director of Why Me?
- Jemma En Rose, WISE Project Lead at RIFT
- Will Gilluley, Why Me? ambassador and actor in their film
- Danny Shaw, journalist and former special advisor to Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper
The panel shared insights into the filmmaking process and explored how media and charities can join forces to influence policy.
Tasha Reynolds (Warner Brothers), Su-Mei Thompson (CEO, Media Trust), Annette So (Director, CJA)
Holly Brooks-Burgin (CJA) and filmmaker Georgie Donovan introducing 'The Cycle'
The Why Me? team
Cast and crew of the CJA's film 'The Cycle'
Sarah Turvey (Prison Reading Groups) and filmmaker Davy Lazare introduce their film
Our fantastic panel (L-R): Danny Shaw, Will Gilluley, Nick Alexander, Tom McNeil, Tolu Stedford, Jemma En Rose
Criminal Justice Alliance AGM
On 25 November, our 2024 AGM welcomed over 100 attendees, including CJA members, cast, crew and other stakeholders to Havas London. Following a second screening of the films, a panel discussed delved deeper into the transformative power of storytelling. Chaired by Tolu Stedford, Executive Producer at Media Trust, the panel featured:
- Jacob Dunne, restorative justice campaigner and author of Right from Wrong
- Jordan Pitt, BAFTA-nominated director and actor
- Chloe Purcell, CEO of SAFE!
- Oluseun Sowole, St Giles Trust and ELEVATE CJS Leader
Together, they explored how storytelling can help shape narratives and inspire systemic change. Jacob challenged the sensationalism often seen in media portrayals of crime, urging the alliance to champion authentic stories. The discussion underscored the potential of collaboration between creatives, media professionals and CJA members to advocate for a fairer and more effective criminal justice system.
Jacob Dunne, Oluseun Sowole
Tolu Stedford, Jacob Dunne, Oluseun Sowole, Chloe Purcell, Jordan Pitt
Upcoming film releases
The films are already making waves:
- Why Me?’s film, launched during Restorative Justice Week, highlights the power of conversation
- Transform Justice’s film, released this week, advocated for the FairChecks campaign in partnership with Unlock
- The CJA’s film, The Cycle, directed by Georgie Yukiko Donovan, releases this Thursday at 6pm GMT
Other films from the collection will be released in the coming months. Click here to discover the full list of films and learn more about their impactful stories.
As these films reach wider audiences, we hope they inspire conversations, challenge perceptions, and drive meaningful change in the criminal justice system.
