WorldScene launched on October 23rd, for US military veterans incarcerated at Cook County Jail, Chicago. The award-winning international films screened in WorldScene provide a powerful intentional space for engaging participants in topics such as coping with trauma, non-violent conflict resolution, developing empathy and making positive connections with friends, family, and members of the opposite gender. Participants also gain employment skills as they curate a film festival and produce their own short film, which will premiere at their festival. 

Dr. Jane Gubser, Chief at Cook County Jail, remarked about the impact of WorldScene, “Not only did it offer the men exposure to different cultures and points of view through an expertly curated selection of world cinema, it also helped build job skills that will serve them well when they are released. The guys loved it and looked forward to watching movies and working on this festival every week.”

2019 Veteran participant, K. Battinus, reflected on his participation after the program concluded, saying, “This is something really good. I can feel my mind changing, like there really are new parts of it opening up.”