First Disappearances

Film Synopsis

“First Disappearances” takes us on the perilous journey of the first 24 hours after arrest as an individual is handcuffed, loaded into the back of a police cruiser, and brought to central lockup to be processed and wait for their first court appearance. Told from multiple perspectives, “First Disappearances” weaves together documentary audio with hand-drawn animation and medium-format photography to create a singular story of what it is like to experience the criminal justice system for the first time. An intersubjective story of trauma, and the failures of jails and courtrooms to grant humanity, “First Disappearances” is a harrowing and surreal entry-point into the portal of justice in New Orleans and America.