OUR VISION

CIRCLES grew from a relationship formed over a decade between the film’s main character, Eric Butler, and director Cassidy Friedman. Through our collaboration, many challenging conversations, and successes and failures we arrived at our shared goal: to complicate narratives, deepen dialogue and improve understanding, especially across difference.

Our vision is that restorative justice becomes a permanent part of communities across North America, and beyond, so that all people, especially students of color, are set on a pathway toward life success. Cassidy and Eric are bringing the story behind the unlikely friendship that created this film to as many communities as possible, in hopes of increasing dialogue. If you would like to host a community screening, you can license the film here.

Through Cassidy’s production company, Stories Matter Media, he continues to make films that prioritize relationship, and that employ a spirit of collaboration between filmmaker and film subject. He co-created the award-winning docuseries, DETROIT RISING, with journalist Kerra Bolton, which chronicles the Motor City’s effort to become the first restorative city in the U.S. And he directed the documentary short, FINDING HOPE, which follows Kerra into a youth treatment center in rural Pennsylvania.

Through his organization called Talking Peace, Eric Butler is engaging people in talking circles and restorative conversations to create nonjudgemental and intentional spaces for people, especially youth, to unpack harm, build accountability, and find solutions. If you would like to support Talking Peace, you can donate here. Please know that all donations, regardless of size, are greatly appreciated. Learn more about Talking Peace at talking-peace.org.

If you have further questions, or are an organization looking for partnership, please email us at info@storiesmattermedia.com.