Media Edge

"Second Chance Citizens" (7 minutes)

What if you committed an offense and served your time in prison - now what? Unfortunately, there are enormous challenges to re-entry. One of the hardest is finding a job. The vast majority of employers won’t even let a a person with a criminal record apply. Parole requires a steady residence, but affordable housing requires background checks. There's a catch-22 at every turn. It’s no wonder that approximately two thirds of prisoners are projected to be rearrested within the first three years of release. This vicious cycle makes our community less safe, greatly affects children of incarcerated parents, and gives a life sentence to men and women who’s sentence is already over. "Second Chance Citizens" illustrates that this doesn’t have to be the case. It’s a success story of a man who re-enters society and supports his family due to an employer giving him a chance. This story can be re-created. This can happen all over America. Do you believe in second chances?

"From a Silk Cocoon" (1 hour, 46 minutes)

This film tells Dr. Satsuki Ina's family’s story of the tragic outcome resulting from the wartime hysteria and racial profiling that occurred during WW II in the name of "military necessity." The film is followed by a panel and Q & A that includes Dr. Ina,  Harry Wang, MD (Physicians for Social Responsibility, Sacramento Chapter) and Basim Elkarra (Council on Islamic Relations).

"From a Silk Cocoon" received a Northern California Emmy for Outstanding Achievement in Historical/Cultural Programming.