The Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) Film Forward Documentary Spotlight showcased the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion through film during its third annual documentary spotlight on Saturday, February 10th at Tri-C Metropolitan Campus. The event featured the locally produced film, “Reverse RideAlong”. Presented by Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland, and David & Kristen St. Pierre.
EVENT DETAILS:
The Making Of…Documentary Workshop encouraged attendees to explore the art of documentary filmmaking in a FREE workshop that went behind the scenes of the film. This workshop provided an overview of the documentary filmmaking process, and offered valuable insights into the creative process, respectful storytelling, and navigating sensitive issues. Participants received guidance on equipment recommendations in addition to a demonstration of how to set up an interview shot.
Featured panelists included Ryan Koppelman, Co-Director of “Reverse RideAlong” and Founder of Beyond the Moving Picture Studios, and Mike Wendt, Production Coordinator at the Greater Cleveland Film Commission.
Guests also enjoyed a free reception and screening, followed by a filmmaker Q&A. This documentary follows grassroots leaders Jan Thrope and Joe Black as they pioneer the “Reverse RideAlong” initiative in Cleveland, aiming to reshape policing amid escalating community-police tensions. With determination, they navigate the tumultuous history of policing, emphasizing the crucial need for trust and empathy. Jan and Joe orchestrate conversations and activities to foster mutual respect and understanding, creating a foundation rooted in harmony – one relationship at a time. Join them on a transformative journey, a call to action for forging connections in Cleveland’s pursuit of justice and unity.
Following the screening, the filmmakers joined Lowell Perry Jr, GCFC’s Chief Diversity Officer, VP Corporate & Community Engagement, for an engaging Q&A session.
ABOUT THE FILM:
In a city yearning for reconciliation, “Reverse RideAlong” invites viewers to join Jan Thrope and Joe Black on a journey that transcends the conventional narrative of policing. More than a mere exploration, this locally produced documentary serves as a call to action, a testament to the transformative power inherent in forging connections amid adversity. Brace yourself for a riveting journey – a ride worth taking to witness the dawn of a new era in Cleveland’s pursuit of justice and unity.
ABOUT FILM FORWARD:
The GCFC is a workforce and economic development organization driving job creation and economic impact via the growing film and media production industry in Northeast Ohio.
GCFC’s Film Forward initiative focuses not just on what we do, but what we achieve. Central to that focus is ensuring Northeast Ohioans from underrepresented and underserved communities have every opportunity to pursue, participate, and thrive in the local motion picture production industry ecosystem.
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and partners, all Film Forward Documentary Spotlight events were FREE.
ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS
Jan Thrope is a social worker, a community activist. and founder of Inner Visions of Cleveland dedicated to creating social change by forging relationships across lines of difference. She is the author of two books on the topic: Inner Visions: grassroot stories of truth and hope; and Healing the Space Between Us. After walking the Ohio portion of the Underground Railroad, she and Fran Stewart, and Leanne Moses developed a walking App for the trail called the Ohio Freedom Path.
Joseph Black is a dynamic force for change, boasting over a decade of expertise in community organizing and philanthropy. Since February 2023, he has led transformative strategies as the Manager of Racial Equity and Racial Justice (RERJ) Initiatives at the Cleveland Foundation, with a focus on overseeing the impactful Cleveland Black Futures Fund.
Joseph’s commitment extends beyond his professional role; he actively shapes community narratives as the Vice Chair of the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Board of Commissioners and serves on the Boards of Directors for Refresh Collective, the HealthComp Foundation, and the Men and Women of Central.
A visionary leader, Joseph is also the driving force behind the “Reverse Ride Along,” an innovative community engagement training program. Under his visionary leadership, the program has successfully empowered and educated over 500 law enforcement and medical professionals, aiming to redefine community/police relations and elevate public safety standards.
While his commitment to community is evident, Joseph acknowledges that his purpose and value are deeply rooted in his profound love for his wife Amber and two sons, Jordan and Isaac.
Ryan Koppelman is the founder of Beyond the Moving Picture Studios, an organization he founded in 2018. Fueled by Ryan’s passion for storytelling and his commitment to making a positive impact, Beyond the Moving Picture Studios has emerged as a creative force with a strong focus on humanitarian-based projects.
Ryan’s work transcends traditional filmmaking boundaries and uses the power of personal authenticity to capture compelling visual stories that amplify individual voices. In a world saturated with content, Ryan believes that being a storyteller carries with it a responsibility to use the organization’s creative prowess not just for entertainment, but as a force for good. Indeed, Ryan and his professional associates believe in the narrative approach employed by Beyond the Moving Picture Studio, recognizing that the productions have the potential to shape individuals’ perspectives, challenge societal norms, and contribute to the betterment of our local and global communities.
As the co-director and main filmmaker of the Reverse Ride Along (RRA) Documentary, Ryan got to see, firsthand, how the RRA program works to connect community members and police officers through real and candid conversations, paving a way forward for positive change in the future. Ultimately, the RRA program aspires to make a big city feel more like a small town—a place where community members and police officers know one another, free from mutual fear.
While the post-production process for RRA took longer than originally conceptualized, the final product reflects the great care taken to showcase the program’s process and progress. It is expected that viewers will be encouraged to rethink and reconsider how meaningful person-to-person connections can address this societal challenge.
EVENT PHOTOS
