Bar none:
cannabis redemption
A new documentary by Howard Ellis
THE STORY
Bar None: Cannabis Redemption is a solo-made documentary exploring the impact of outdated marijuana laws. Despite legalization or semi-legalization in 38 states, about 40,000 people remain imprisoned, with many more facing challenges due to criminal records. The film highlights formerly incarcerated people achieving redemption in the legal cannabis industry, and advocating for reform while exposing the stark contradictions in state and federal policies.
THE DIRECTOR
I’ve had a diverse media career since the late1970s, working as a local access TV anchor and talk show host, producer, and adjunct professor, but primarily my work has been in post-production. For over 25 years, I was a senior editor/producer for a variety of networks, focusing on promos and segments—rarely a complete show.
I’ve seen network television evolve, with creativity increasingly restricted by branding and committees. However, new technology has let me work independently—producing, directing, shooting, and editing on my own terms. As a first-time, one-man-band filmmaker at age 69, I welcome the freedom, mobility, and authenticity this approach allows.
THE PANELS
Each Bar None: Cannabis Redemption screenings can be followed by a live or virtual panel discussion featuring participants and the filmmaker. These conversations expand far beyond cannabis justice, exploring themes of redemption, equity, and reform through firsthand experience. Panels invite audience participation and are valuable for educational, community, and organizational settings across disciplines from law and sociology to literature and media studies. Hearing directly from those affected creates empathy, insight, and dialogue that spark deeper understanding and social action.
SCREENINGS & AWARDS
WINNER:
Best Director/Feature Film, AltFF Alternative Film Festival 2025,Toronto, CanadaWINNER:
Excellence/Documentary
Accolade Global Film Competition, 2025
LaJolla, CANOMINEE:
Best Documentary/North America, AltFF Alternative Film Festival 2025
Toronto, CanadaOFFICIAL SELECTION: Massachusetts International Film Festival 2025,
Boston, Mass.WINNER:
Award of Excellence/Documentary Feature
The Impact DOCS Awards 2025
LaJolla, CAWINNER:
Award of Excellence/Viewer Impact: Motivational / Inspirational
The Impact DOCS Awards 2025
LaJolla, CA---------------------------------------------------------
SCREENINGS:September 18, 2pm & 6pm
Free Screening & Panel (2 showings)
Northeast Brooklyn Housing Development Corp. (NEBHDCO)
378 Throop Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11221October 3, 7pm. screening/panel
Sponsor: The Gathering for Justice.org
New Plaza Cinema @Macaulay Honors College, 35 W 67th St, New York, NY
Tickets: https://newplazacinema.org/coming-soon/Monday, December 8, 6pm screening/panel
Edison Public Library
340 Plainfield Ave, Edison, NJ 08817Thursday, December 11, 6pm screening/talkback
Rockaway Township Free Public Library
61 Mt Hope Rd, Rockaway, NJSaturday, June 27th 2026
Stissing Center for Art & Culture
2950 Church St, Pine Plains, NY 12567
Ticket info TBA
contact
for more information, questions, or comments
Thank you
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