Recommended Viewing

Films

Restorative justice can often be a long and complicated process. Watching other people’s experience helps us to understand why it's beneficial and why people do it. Whether you just need a good film to watch or would like to learn more about restorative justice, this page provides some of the Restorative Justice Center’s favorite media. The following list touch on concepts like forgiveness, remorse, and moving forward. The following are a list of films we love, selected for their unique storytelling and their ability to communicate important ideas on the big screen.

Films on Restorative Justice

Healing Justice

This short yet powerful movie from WorldTrust touches on issues of modern justice systems punishment instead of repair, particularly on its inability to address existing traumas, especially in marginalized communities. When trauma isn’t healed it manifests itself in different ways. This movie encourages us to understand and look at people holistically. 

Thumbnail from "Restoring Hope" Film

Restoring Hope

Restoring Hope from Maori TV is a film that focuses on Māori restorative justice model through Mike Hinton’s eyes, manager of Restorative Justice at Manukau Urban Māori Authority. It offers an alternative path by bringing together victims against an expensive and failing justice system. 

Film still from "Meeting with a killer - Documentary"

Meeting with a Killer

This emotional documentary follows the family of a pregnant woman who was sexually assaulted and brutally murdered in 1986 near the city of Tomhall, Texas. The family spends two years in a victim offender meditation dialogue program to finally meet one of the men who took their precious family member away. Look at the complex journey of this family and understand what dialogue brings to both the victim and offender. 

Still from Repairing the Harm

Reparing the Harm

Repairing the Harm: Restorative Justice covers 3 distinct areas of restorative, showcasing how it can be impactful for many types of communities. Watch to see prisoners go against the norms of prison culture and engage in dialogue circles and learn about how their actions have impacted victims' lives. In both teen and youth communities, restorative justice can also prevent future issues from arising whilst creating mindful and considerate individuals.

Kids in classroom sit in circle in "Inside California Schools: Restorative Justice"

Inside California Schools: Restorative Justice

This informative clip focuses on a neighborhood in Oakland with a history of violence and trauma. Watch to see students grow, learning to build community and resolve conflicts through the power of restorative justice and move away from traditional punitive methods.

Barnard Films on Accountability

Experts speaking on RJ