The People
BEHIND THE FILM
The voices, the advocates, the artists who made this story possible.
Subject — Exoneree, Advocate, Agent of Change
Arrested at 16 and wrongfully convicted of burglary and assault, Jonathan Irons spent 23 years in Missouri's most dangerous prisons — including the Missouri State Penitentiary and Jefferson City Correctional Center. After his exoneration in 2020, he returned not to escape his past, but to face it — and to bring hope to the men still behind those walls.
Jonathan Irons
Subject — Basketball Hall of Famer, Advocate, Wife
Maya Moore Irons
Widely regarded as one of the greatest winners in the history of women's basketball, Maya Moore walked away from the WNBA at the height of her career to fight for Jonathan Irons' freedom. Officially inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025, Maya continues to advocate for criminal justice reform and the dignity of every person behind bars.
Director / Producer — Our Daily Bread Ministries
Rasool Berry
Rasool Berry is a pastor, author, and media producer who serves with Our Daily Bread Ministries. He is the driving creative force behind The Return, which he produced and narrates. His work sits at the intersection of faith, culture, and justice.
Artist, Advocate — Featured in the Film
Grammy Award-winning hip-hop artist and activist Lecrae joined Jonathan for the historic concert inside Jefferson City Correctional Center. His presence at JCCC — and his words about what Jonathan's return meant — are among the most powerful moments in the film.
Lecrae
Artist — Featured in the Film
Tedashii
Grammy-nominated artist Tedashii joined Lecrae for the JCCC concert, bringing music and prayer into a space that rarely sees either. His reflections on hope and celebration give the film some of its most quietly moving moments.
Founder, Growth and Leadership Academy
Bo Cornelius
Bo Cornelius is a formerly incarcerated leader who founded the Growth and Leadership Academy (GLA) — a peer-driven leadership program that has expanded to facilities across the country. Jonathan Irons played a direct role in shepherding the GLA's growth inside JCCC.
The Filmmakers
About ODBM Documentary
Our Daily Bread Ministries' documentary arm brings stories of faith, courage, and human dignity to screens worldwide. Rasool Berry — pastor, author, and media producer — serves as the driving creative force behind The Return, which he produced and narrates. His conviction that Jonathan's story needed to be told on film is what made this documentary possible.
This passage sits at the center of Jonathan's journey — and the film's title. A return, in the truest sense, is not going back to who you were. It's going back to strengthen those still in the fire."Satan demanded to sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith should not fail. And when you have returned, strengthen your brothers."
The Scripture at the Heart of It
Luke 22:31–34
Questions
FAQs
What is The Return?
A short documentary produced by Our Daily Bread Ministries following Jonathan Irons' return to Jefferson City Correctional Center — the prison where he spent the final years of a 23-year wrongful incarceration.Who is Jonathan Irons?
Jonathan was arrested at 16 and wrongfully convicted of burglary and assault. After 23 years, he was exonerated and released. He now advocates for criminal justice reform.Is this film affiliated with any religious organization?
Yes. It is produced by Our Daily Bread Ministries. The film's perspective is faith-forward but the story speaks to anyone who believes in human dignity and second chances.Where can I watch the full film?
The Return is currently on the festival circuit. Sign up on our homepage to be notified when it becomes available for public screening or streaming.How can I host a screening?
Visit our Take Action page for information on hosting a community, church, or campus screening.