Watch License to Operate

"License to Operate" is a 2015 documentary film that delves into the lives of former gang members in Los Angeles who have come together to form a nonprofit organization called "Operation Save Our Sons." The organization's mission is to use their own experiences and insights to prevent gang violence and help at-risk youth. The film opens with a powerful quote, "We are all a product of our environment," which sets the tone for the entire documentary. Director James Lipetzky follows the journeys of five former gang members who are now trying to give back to their communities. They are Aquil Basheer, Stinson Brown, Carissa Falls, Skipp Townsend, and Rudy Valdez.

The story of one of the founders of "Operation Save Our Sons," Aquil Basheer, is at the heart of this documentary. Basheer grew up in South Central Los Angeles and was a gang member until he was shot at the age of 15. After surviving the shooting, he realized that he needed to turn his life around. With the help of his mentor, Basheer joined the U.S. Navy and later became a police officer. However, he eventually quit his job as a police officer, feeling like he wasn't making a big enough difference in the community. This led him to create "Operation Save Our Sons."

The film also showcases the struggles of other gang members attempting to leave their past behind. Stinson Brown, for instance, is a former Crip member who is now working to provide guidance and mentorship to young men in his community. Carissa Falls is another former gang member who has turned her life around and is now an advocate for peace in her community.

One of the key themes in "License to Operate" is the idea of redemption. Many of the former gang members in the film are trying to make up for the wrong they have done in the past by working to prevent others from following in their footsteps. They are using their own experiences to show others that there is another way to live.

Another theme in the documentary is the power of community. "Operation Save Our Sons" is made up of people who have all been through similar experiences and are now working together to create change. They understand the struggles that young people in their community face, and they use their own experiences to help guide them.

The film also highlights the importance of education. Many of the former gang members in the film talk about how school wasn't a priority for them when they were younger. They often weren't given the support or resources they needed to succeed. However, through their work with "Operation Save Our Sons," they are now trying to make education a priority for the young people in their community.

Overall, "License to Operate" is an inspiring documentary about people who are working to create positive change in their communities. It shows that even those who have made mistakes in the past can turn their lives around and make a difference in the world. The film is a great reminder that there is always hope and that change is possible, no matter how dire a situation may seem.