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Atdom's Story

In 2013, Atdom (then 21 years old) was living in Bullhead City, Arizona, and struggling with drug addiction. Over a 10-week period, he stole random items from homes, garages, and vehicles to barter in exchange for a place to stay. When Atdom was arrested, he confessed, and even told police where some of the items were so that they could be returned to their owners.

Atdom was prosecuted in Mohave County, convicted of 25 counts of burglary-related crimes, and sentenced to 292 years in prison. He was ordered to pay $5,400 in restitution for stolen items. On September 2024, Atdom Patsalis was released from prison after serving over 10 years.

  • Joshua Coe
    Director
  • Joshua Coe
    Editor
  • Joshua Coe
    DP
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    documentary, short documentary, criminal justice, injustice, social justice, criminal justice system, criminal justice reform, unjust sentence, justice reform, restorative justice
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes 44 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 24, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Canon EOS C70
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Joshua Coe

Joshua Coe is born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. He is proud of his city and the people in it. While Joshua maneuvers through the streets, different hoods, and prison yards, he captures the beauty where some may never expect to find it. His passion to serve extends far beyond holding a camera, as he prefers to be in the streets serving his community without a camera in his hand. But there is no better way to tell a story in this day and age than through filmmaking, and he does so with reverence for the art and honor for the stories being told.

Joshua uses filmmaking to tells the stories of where change is taking place amidst brokenness. He finds purpose in telling the stories that may not ever have a large budget behind them, but are worthy of being shared and heard.

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Director Statement

Telling Atdom's story and the work of AZ Justice Project was an absolute honor and privilege. I've been working within criminal justice reform/restorative justice spaces for the past two years, and getting to witness a victory like this was profound and beautiful. I honor and commend the AZ Justice Project and all those who partner with them to forward the work that they do. I am proud of Atdom, his posture of humility, and I smile with him as he explores what is ahead. This story is a miracle, and still there are other individuals across our country waiting for a miracle just like this. I pray, that as people hear this story and watch this film, that true compassion would be cultivated for their neighbor.