US 2021, 96 min Director ERIC DANIEL METZGAR
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.