About This Film 

This film asks America to talk about the causes and consequences of systemic inequity. Designed for dialogue, the film works to disentangle internal beliefs, attitudes and pre-judgments within, and it builds skills to address the structural drivers of social and economic inequities.

Cracking the Codes supports institutions and communities to deepen and shift the framing of racial disparities. The current conversation is not only shallow, but actually harmful. We continue to primarily focus on individuals, when institutional and structural inequities are the bigger problem.

The film contains three sections that correspond to World Trust’s framing of the self-perpetuating system of racial inequity:

Section 1: Social Determinants: History, Identity & Culture
Section 2: Internal Components: Bias, Privilege, Internalized Racism
Section 3: External Relationships: Interpersonal, Institutional, Structural

The film features moving stories from twenty-four racial justice leaders including Amer Ahmed, Michael Benitez, Barbie-Danielle DeCarlo, Joy DeGruy, Harley Eagle, Ericka Huggins, Yuko Kodama, Peggy McIntosh, Rinku Sen, Tillman Smith and Tim Wise.

This film is an ideal introduction to the dynamics of systemic racial inequity. It is appropriate for use in education, healthcare, philanthropy, government, and nonprofit.

Praise for Cracking the Codes

“Most of us, if we admit it, feel pretty stuck and helpless when it comes to addressing racism. It’s the social ‘third rail’ that we either avoid, collide with or both – without much guidance or support. Cracking the Codes is an important breakthrough in helping to turn this around. Part story telling, part toolbox, this project deftly portrays the complex interplay between the personal, institutional and systemic. Cracking the Codes helps us pull the lens back so we can see the landscape of racialization and racial inequity and how we as individuals are shaped by it. It will be an invaluable resource for anyone who has ever wondered how to get this conversation started – and keep it going.” – Makani Themba-Nixon, Executive Director,The Praxis Project

“Smart, timely and necessary challenge to the nation to address what race means to all of us.” – Maya Wiley, Founder, The Center for Social Inclusion

“Cracking the Codes asks viewers to understand the costs of systemic racial inequity. Building a world that works for everyone isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the only way to fulfill the American Dream. This unconventional film project challenges us to do just that. ” - Van Jones, Co-Founder, Rebuild the Dream