Beyond Survival

Our first feature-length documentary, “Beyond Survival,” a film that deals with the implementation of the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act (DVSJA) in New York State is ready to find its way in the world! It was a two-and-a-half-year journey and learning experience for our entire team – at times joyful, frustrating, inspiring, heart-breaking, but always hopeful that the end result was going to be an eye-opening and galvanizing experience for audiences. On Nov 2nd, 2024, we got to premiere the film to 450 colleagues, friends, survivors, legislators, family - and really feel the power of the work we’ve done alongside, for, and with this community.

Film folx know that two-and-half-years isn’t long to work on one project, especially a documentary. The reason it feels relevant to mention is that, in our first conversations with WJP & SJP about making the film, it was contemplated as a 5 to 7 minute piece that could be used to raise awareness about the DVSJA law and celebrate the unique way the bill was crafted in centering the leadership of survivors. As we embarked on our first interview with Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson we began to realize the impact the film could have if we expanded our approach to incorporate first-hand experiences from survivors ensnared in the cycle of harm our criminal legal system upholds. We are proud of this filmmaking team for pivoting and working collaboratively to shape this project into the film it needed to be in order to do justice to the sacrifices these survivors were making.

Kashif understands the incredible impact storytelling has, and we believe the personal stories in this film have the power to create pathways that make it easier for others to walk their own paths towards justice and equality.

The DVSJA needs to be a law in every state, not just NY. So, holla at us if you want to see the film or if you want to know more about how you can help us get this film out into the world.

***UPDATES ON BEYOND SURVIVAL:

We won Best Feature Documentary at The Imagine This Women's Film Festival in New York City!

We also screened at San Quentin Film Festival, the first-ever film festival to happen inside a prison.

Our partners at SJP have screened the film for legislators and organizers across the country. One screening partner, United Women in Faith, screened to over 200 members of their community and recently wrote a powerful piece for Amsterdam News about the need for more reform, mentioning Kashif and Beyond Survival in their powerful article.