In the short speculative film ExO (click HERE to watch the film) the director, Hiroki Yokoyama powerfully illustrates what the reintegration of ex-offenders could look like in our society. This film portrays how the power of the public’s perception of ex-offenders could impact the structure of society considering our ever-advancing technological capabilities.
This film brings such awareness to our society that without the intentional effort of reshaping our pre-conceived perceptions towards people coming out of prison, there will only be further divisions and unhealthy measures that will reinforce stigmas and instill even more challenges for the successful reintegration of ex-offenders. In other words, this short film is warning our society by presenting a futuristic dystopian scenario.
This film contextualizes the vision of Whitestone. Our vision does not stop at serving our program participants who are leaving prison and addictions by providing a healthy community and meaningful employment, but it extends to helping society to rethink our perceptions of the ex-offenders.
Whitestone believes that without changing the perception of the public and various stakeholders, it is impossible to break the vicious cycle of reoffending. We believe the heart of Jesus wasn’t just to bring God’s kingdom into the lives of individuals but also to transform the society at large with the values of His kingdom. We offer society the opportunity to partner with us in the journey of restoring lives and changing the future.
Hebrews 13:3 says “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”
When the power of unconditional love presented on the cross is delivered to the least, the last and the broken, there will be an unimaginable transformation in our society as a whole.