Sitting in the Fire

At San Quentin, Vaughn began rehabilitation programs to address his childhood trauma and violent triggers. Released after 24 years, he’s back in his hometown of Richmond, Calif., working at the Office of Neighborhood Safety–a gun violence prevention and youth outreach initiative–to help repair the place he once helped destroy.

Directed by Alec Goldberg, Boson Wang, Sitting in the Fire leans on a strong ensemble — Vaughn Miles, Jaz Johnson, Zeontay Johnson — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 2024.