Freedom to Learn Film Festival - A Premier Event

Freedom to Learn Film Festival: A Premier Event
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.
Lyceum, Santa Fe College Northwest Campus

Join Santa Fe College for the Freedom to Learn Film Festival - A Premier Event, an inspiring evening of film and conversation exploring the transformative power of education, healing, and second chances.

The evening will feature the premiere screenings of two compelling short films:

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, stay for a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring the filmmakers and SF students reflecting on the films' themes. 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.

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.