In honor of Second Chance Month, the Los Angeles Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department (LA Civil Rights) joined forces with Picture Motion to host a transformative Impact Screening of the Sundance award-winning documentary “Daughters” on April 21, at the Regal Theater at LA Live.
The free community event welcomed changemakers, justice advocates, and families from across Los Angeles to witness a moving exploration of the emotional toll incarceration takes on father-daughter relationships—and the hope that arises when systems are challenged, and stories are shared.
Following the film, an inspiring panel featured Angela Patton, co-director of Daughters and CEO of Girls For A Change; the Rev. Joe Paul, CEO of Promise Enterprises and a longtime faith leader; and Karen McDaniel, co-founder and executive director of ThePLACE4GRACE. The panel was moderated by Capri Maddox, executive director of LA Civil Rights.
“When we think about Second Chance Month, we must uplift the community of those who are justice-involved,” Maddox stated.
“Folks face discrimination in many forms, but our justice-involved residents experience compounded barriers—even from other marginalized communities. The criminal justice system has inequities that impact lives right here in downtown courthouses. We must tell these stories, listen deeply, and advocate fiercely.”
Directed by Natalie Rae and Angela Patton, “Daughters” follows the deeply personal journeys of four girls—Aubrey, Santana, Raziah, and Ja’Ana—as they prepare for a rare and emotional “Daddy-Daughter Dance” with their incarcerated fathers. The film—eight years in the making—tackles themes of absence, resilience, and reconnection while offering a powerful critique of a justice system that too often disregards family.
“I started this work to be in rooms like this one,” Patton shared with the audience.
“This film is a tool—for political leaders, for young people advocating for change, for community centers and homes alike. We made this film for the country. You haven’t lost your power. It’s in this room.”
The film, which premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, won both the Festival Favorite and Audience Choice awards. It continues to gain momentum with national audiences and is now streaming on Netflix.
Also lending powerful remarks was Deputy Mayor of Public Safety, Karen Lane, who connected the themes of “Daughters” to broader systemic change reflected in the city’s budget priorities.
“When we remove systemic barriers, people can transform—not only themselves, but also their families and neighborhoods,” Lane said. “That’s why Mayor Bass created the Office of Community Safety. Public safety must include community leadership and civic engagement. This isn’t charity work—it’s public infrastructure.”
Lane emphasized that every budget season brings a fight for intervention and prevention resources. “We see people who were once told their voices didn’t matter showing up to advocate—not for themselves alone, but for their entire communities. That’s power. That’s how systems change.”
According to an October 2024 report by the Prison Policy Initiative, Los Angeles County’s jail system is among the largest in the nation, with an average daily population of 13,805 in 2022. Alarmingly, 87% of those incarcerated were Black or Latinx—despite these groups making up just over half of the county’s total population combined. Nearly 30% were Black residents, who comprise only 7.5% of the county’s general population.
California is one of only four states that currently allow conjugal visits, also known as family visits, in their prisons. These visits, which are private overnight stays in private, apartment-like facilities on prison grounds, are intended to support family connections and rehabilitation
Visitation policies vary across facilities but remain limited. The emotional consequences of restricted access are immense, particularly for children of incarcerated parents. Research consistently links in-person visitation with reduced recidivism, better mental health, and smoother reintegration into society.
“Daughters” is not just a film—it’s a conversation starter, a healing balm, and a call to action. Through its lens, audiences are asked to imagine a justice system rooted in dignity and redemption, and a society that sees every family—regardless of circumstance—as worthy of love and repair.
Angela Patton’s closing words summed up the evening’s emotional response: “If it’s emotional, it’s because it was supposed to be. This is how change begins—in rooms like this, with hearts open and eyes unafraid.”
“Daughters” is currently available to stream on Netflix.