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Reimagining Safety (2023) is a documentary directed by Matthew Solomon with executive producer Donna Hadjikhani and consulting producer Michelle Silver. The film has had over 100 screening in over 50 cities with over 130 community organizations.[1] Reimagining Safety premiered in Los Angeles, California with a festival premiere in 2023 and streaming premiere in 2024.
Following global protests over the 2020 murder of George Floyd, Solomon felt called to action to produce this film. Reimagining Safety discusses defunding or abolishing the police and the challenges public safety reform faces. By interviewing abolitionists, academics, activists, and a former police officer, Solomon tells the story of defunding the police.
In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, director Matthew Solomon returned to school to earn a master’s degree in Public Administration,[1] He thought this would be a step away from filmmaking but his academic advisors suggested he create a documentary film for his thesis project. Reimagining Safety became that film. Interviews were shot on an iPhone camera[2] as Solomon traveled during the COVID-19 lockdowns to create the film.
Awards and recognition
- “Best Film” by Evident Change, Media for a Just Society Awards 2024[1]
- “Best Documentary Feature” winner by the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival 2023 for Reimagining Safety [3]
- “Best Documentary Feature Film” winner by the Crown Point International Film Festival 2023 [3]
- “Best Feature Documentary Film” nominee by the Oakland International Film Festival 2023[3]
- “Best Cinematography” winner by The People’s Film Festival, New York 2023[3]
- “Documentary Feature Award of Recognition” by the Impact Docs Awards 2023[3]
- “Best Film” winner by Evident Change for the Media for a Just Society Awards 2024 for Reimagining Safety
- “Best Documentary” winner by the Lost River Film Festival 2023 for Reimagining Safety
- Special Mention by the San Pedro International Film Festival 2023[3]
- Honorable Mention by the Blackbird Film Festival 2022[3]
- Honorable Mention by the Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival March 2023[3]
Cast and crew
Ten experts are interviewed for the film.[4] The crew includes director Matthew Solomon, executive producer Donna Hadjikhani, and co-executive producer Dr. Neda Hadjikhani.[4]
