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Events

​Upcoming Events

Stay Tuned

We will be updating this page as we announce more events. You can also follow us on our social media pages to be first to learn about our upcoming events.

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​Past Events

Join us for a community screening of
Reflections Behind Bars followed by a panel discussion

Location: Mill Valley Public Library

Date/time: November 12th, 6pm-7:30pm

Directed by Sundance and Emmy Award–winning filmmaker Jacob Kornbluth, this powerful short documentary was filmed inside San Quentin and captures a landmark gathering where incarcerated writers, policymakers, and community members came together to share stories and explore bold, evidence-based solutions to break cycles of trauma and incarceration. At the center of the film are moving, personal narratives and poems from currently incarcerated individuals, offering an unfiltered look at growing up at the intersection of poverty, violence, and systemic racism. Their voices challenge us to reflect on the impact of incarceration and consider new paths forward.

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After a screening, we will have a panel discussion featuring those who were involved in both the program and the making of the film. This event invites the community to come together for meaningful dialogue, connection, and reflection.

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Light refreshments will be provided.​

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Presented in collaboration with the Mill Valley Public Library.

Registration Required. To register, scan the QR code below or CLICK HERE.

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UC Berkeley Film Viewing

Reflections Behind Bars​

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September 16th, 2025

RSVPs are now open for our film viewing and panel event at UC Berkeley School of Law to discuss our new short film. This is the first event of our film tour in the Bay Area. 

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Filmed inside San Quentin and directed by Emmy & Sundance award winner Jacob Kornbluth, this film amplifies the voices of incarcerated writers reflecting on childhood, trauma, and resilence.

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Come hear their stories and be part of the conversation for change. More details coming soon!

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To RSVP, use the QR code or click below

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Commencement & Writing Showcase at San Quentin

 

January 14, 2025

We’re bringing together over 300 invited guests at San Quentin, including policy makers, health leaders, philanthropists, prison officials and system-impacted individuals for a first-of-its-kind event highlighting our nation’s systemic and racial inequities starting at birth and the need for data-driven, upstream investments In children and families. Graduating writing workshop participants will share readings of their hard-hitting and touching writings - personal narratives and poems telling powerful stories of incarcerated adults who were once young children living at the intersection of poverty, trauma, and systemic racism.

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To maximize impact in raising awareness and support for systemic change, a short film of the event will be directed by Sundance Film Festival and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Jacob Kornbluth. 

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For more information about the event, including details about sponsorship opportunities, contact us at info@backtothestart.org.

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PO Box 150778 San Rafael, CA 94915

We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit, fiscally sponsored

by Empowerment Works.

© 2025 Back to the Start

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