‘The Good News’ Documentary Takes to the Road

After debuting to a packed house at the Kehrein Center for the Arts in August, The Good News documentary is hitting the road. The 37-minute film — produced by Emmy Award–winning studio PRIME 312 and rooted in the Austin Forward. Together. quality-of-life plan — is now touring through neighborhood spaces on the West Side and beyond.

The “Good News Tour,” organized by Austin Coming Together (ACT) and its community partners, brings the documentary to coffee shops, block clubs, youth organizations and libraries this fall. Each screening offers residents a chance to see the film, join a guided discussion and explore ways to get involved in ongoing neighborhood transformation efforts.

Upcoming Screenings

• Oct. 18 — Spill the Beans Coffee Shop, 5300 W. Chicago Ave., 11 a.m.
• Oct. 22 — 5500 W. Adams Block Club, 5540 W. Adams St., 5:30 p.m.
• Oct. 25 — BUILD, Inc., 5100 W. Harrison St., 11 a.m.
• Nov. 13 — What About Us Charitable Enterprises, 5642 W. North Ave., 10:30 a.m.
• Nov. 18 — Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., Oak Park, 7 p.m.
• Nov. 30 — Third Unitarian Church, 301 N. Mayfield Ave., 11:30 a.m.

Community members can register and learn more about the upcoming screenings HERE.

The Good News traces Austin’s history of segregation and disinvestment while spotlighting resident-led solutions in food justice, public safety, housing, and storytelling. Since 2018, the Austin Forward. Together. plan has guided collective action around seven priorities: education, housing, youth empowerment, community narrative, civic engagement, economic development, and public safety.

At its August premiere, Kehrein Center Executive Director Reesheda Nicole Berry described the film as a tapestry of lived experiences. “I watched the faces of people I have laughed with, cried with, fought with,” she said. “We are here to tell the story — and this is why authentic storytelling is so important.”

Keeping the Conversation Going

Organizers say the tour is both a celebration and a call to action. Each screening offers residents the opportunity to connect with local initiatives and reflect on how Austin’s story continues to evolve.

Community members are also encouraged to host their own screenings of The Good News in homes, churches, schools or community spaces.

To host, groups should provide:

• A space with audio-visual equipment
• At least 15 attendees
• Optional refreshments

ACT will provide:

• A copy of the film and a laptop for playback
• A custom promotional flier
• A staff member to introduce the film and facilitate discussion
• A sign-in sheet to connect attendees with ongoing initiatives

To schedule a screening, contact Grace Cooper at gcooper@austincomingtogether.org or visit austincomingtogether.org/qlp.