THE DISRUPTERS

Directed by Yoruba Richen, and Executive Produced by Dawn Porter; the film follows America’s most prominent Black female progressive prosecutors as they battle unprecedented adversity while trying to transform the criminal justice system with few allies except each other.

There are only 45 women of color elected as head prosecutors in the United States; less than 2% of the roughly 2,300 elected prosecutors nationally. They unseated mainly white conservative men; placing them in direct opposition to those who have long been in power.  These women are pivotal in the progressive movement given their seats in the most powerful position in the criminal justice system. They are trying to transform policies from within a system built upon a legacy of racism and inequity.

The Disrupters is the story of these women who are part of the “Sister’s Circle;” a support group of Black female elected DA’s, laying the groundwork for generational and sweeping change in America. Bounded together by the backlash from the political right and left, while battling for the heart and soul of the criminal justice system, this intimate group of women have invited our cameras into their world.  

The film follows these women for roughly one year, as they independently unsnarl the inequities of entrenched political power and systemic racism, having only each other to lean on. The community they have formed allows them to be real with each other, shedding their capes and existing as women in power, seeking friendship and a community to support one another. Our film is centered on Kim Foxx of Chicago, Kim Gardner of St. Louis, Satana Deberry of Durham, and Monique Worrell of Orlando, with appearances by many more.  Interviews with experts and critics provide context about the criminal justice system and the progressive prosecutor movement - offering real facts to combat the noise around this highly politicized position.