Celebrating Gold at the Anthem Awards
Dear VS Community,
We are thrilled to announce that This Is Freedom, our short documentary film, has received Gold in the Human & Civil Rights category at the Anthem Awards! This honor recognizes work that raises awareness for critical causes through powerful storytelling—and we are deeply proud of what this film stands for.
About the Film:
Criminal justice reform often focuses on the sensational. But This Is Freedom brings attention to the everyday—highlighting the mundane joys of freedom, like walking your kids to school or starting a new job.
Through the stories of Gavin, a white ranch hand and construction worker from Dallas, and Terranisha, a young Black mother from Houston, we illustrate how Harris County’s bail reform offers a path to justice. Both subjects were arrested but allowed to fight their cases from freedom—an opportunity that led to their charges being dismissed.
Our Process:
Partnering with the Texas Jail Project and Zealous, our team took a trauma-informed approach to filming and storytelling. Over days of intimate shoots, we captured the raw, authentic lives of our subjects, blending vérité footage with thoughtful editing and an original score.
Impact and Beyond:
This Is Freedom is the centerpiece of a broader initiative, Freedom Stories, designed to inspire lawmakers, advocates, and communities nationwide to expand and defend bail reform laws. The campaign will feature public art installations, panel discussions, and targeted educational events aimed at driving real change.
Recognition:
Winning Gold at the Anthem Awards is a testament to the power of stories that matter. In the Human & Civil Rights category, this achievement highlights how film can move hearts and minds to action.
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming premieres, campaign milestones, and ways you can join us in the fight for freedom and justice.
Learn More About This Is Freedom
Thank you for supporting impactful storytelling. Together, we can make freedom the norm, not the exception,
Abby Goldberg
CEO and Founder
