Last Thursday, Sing Sing Correctional Facility held its first-ever movie competition. It stood out not only for its setting but additionally for its jury: incarcerated males who share a deep love for films.
Organized by The Marshall Challenge, the competition featured a various group of 5 jurors and 4 alternates — males of their 30s to 60s, of varied ethnic backgrounds and academic experiences (a number of even earned their bachelor’s levels whereas incarcerated). Earlier than the competition, the lads participated in a movie criticism workshop with filmmaker El Sawyer, the place they realized to guage movies for story, fashion, depth and authenticity. The jurors then spent per week deliberating, earlier than in the end selecting one in every of 5 legal justice-related documentaries for the highest prize. “Songs From the Gap,” a documentary visible album directed by Contessa Gayles, gained the Excellence in Legal Justice Storytelling Award.
We spoke with the jurors about their private connections to movie. They shared their film recollections and mirrored on how their favourite movies have formed their views on justice, group and life behind bars.
Alexander Aguilar, 33
What’s your all-time favourite movie? Why?
“Residence Alone” — for the household dynamics. I grew up with a single mother who labored two jobs. We had been poor and lived in a basement, a storage after which a two-bedroom condo. By the point we had a home, I used to be in juvie. “Residence Alone” jogs my memory of the household recollections I want I had grown up round, seen or been part of.
Are you able to share a movie-watching reminiscence that has left a long-lasting impression on you?
Christmas with my mother. That was the one time of yr she was residence with us. These mornings, opening presents and attempting to remain up till midnight — that was my “Residence Alone” perspective proper there.
How do you assume your connection to — or appreciation for — movie has modified because you’ve been incarcerated?
I view issues otherwise now, regardless if it’s a film or life. Training has helped me. As a younger child, [I was] an impulsive particular person. I used to be wanting on the world as a child—every part was leisure, even life. By way of training, I truly realized to mature and see issues otherwise. I truly began placing myself in conditions that previously I didn’t. So, for almost all of issues, it was simply maturity [that I needed]. It took time for me to see every part in a distinct mild.
What components of the legal justice journey or the expertise of incarceration do you need to see captured in films?
We’re typically proven as animals, combating or caged, however that’s not the reality. More often than not, it is simply the paths we select. I selected to be in an educator position inside the jail system. I selected to rehabilitate myself. It took a while, however that is what you get now: I’m a distinct particular person now at 33 than I used to be at 18.
Raheem Edwards, 44
All-time favourite movie?
It’s powerful, however I’d select “Level Break” (1991). It follows a gaggle of fellows committing crimes searching for one thing greater than themselves. At one level, they carry out a harmful “air-to-earth switch,” leaping from a airplane right into a deep cave. I do not assume I need to be that excessive, however I do attempt to put all my efforts, all my energies into carrying out my targets.
Favourite film reminiscence?
The primary time I noticed “The Outsiders” had a long-lasting impression. It was the camaraderie, friendship, and the ache of shedding buddies. I watched it with my father, and it was one in every of his favorites.
How has your appreciation for or connection to movie modified?
I’ve develop into barely extra emotional and weak. I cry once I see sure issues in films, like a father or mother hugging a baby or standing up for them.
What do you need to see extra of in jail movies?
I’d prefer to see the legal trial facet as a result of many people undergo the levels — from arrest to arraignment to conviction — with out understanding what to anticipate. It’s scary, and it’s typically not depicted in a method that helps you perceive the remedy, mistreatment and challenges you face simply sitting in entrance of 12 individuals who don’t know you and have to guage you.
Jean Erick Géhy, 49
All-time favourite movie?
My all-time favourite film as a child was “Little Store of Horrors.” I beloved the musical and watched it time and again. However as I received older, I began actually liking documentaries about animals and wildlife and nature.
Favourite film reminiscence?
“Little Store of Horrors” was a musical, and I knew it had been a Broadway present. After watching it, I noticed I would take pleasure in Broadway, too. [That movie] made me need to discover various things.
How has your appreciation for or connection to movie modified?
Being incarcerated, one of many few methods to entertain your self is by watching films. Loads of different choices for getting firsthand info are gone, so movies are positively a medium that individuals use to find out about new issues.
What do you need to see extra of in jail movies?
One subject about incarceration that doesn’t get a lot publicity is individuals’s efforts to rehabilitate. When you’re incarcerated, rehabilitation is one thing you must search for as a result of it isn’t proper there. There are such a lot of distractions. So, simply making [rehabilitation] extra obtainable, making extra applications obtainable, getting individuals once they’re younger and giving them that information.
Nigel Francis, 40
All-time favourite movie?
I will go along with a secure selection: “The Day After Tomorrow.” I prefer it as a result of we’re actually mistreating the planet. If a calamity like that had been to occur, what would come subsequent? What would we be like if all infrastructure had been destroyed? If there have been no electrical energy, how would we maneuver [something like that]?
Favourite film reminiscence?
The Tina Turner story, “What’s Love Bought to Do with It.” It was a particular bonding second with my mom. I really feel like that was the soundtrack for our lives at that cut-off date.
How has your appreciation for or connection to movie modified?
I’ve an appreciation for movies, however they’re one thing to consider as a distraction at instances once I do not need to face actuality. That is simply the unlucky fact.
What do you need to see extra of in jail movies?
The consequences on family members and households; not simply the households of the victims, but additionally the households and family members of these inside. I feel if this had been portrayed extra, it might truly be very preventative as a result of individuals might see — these are the issues I’m doing, that is the way it’s gonna have an effect on my family members and they’d function otherwise. I might hope so.
Michael Hoffler, 45
All-time favourite movie?
“The Shade Purple.” I don’t know if it’s the recollections with my mother, however I snigger and cry each time I watch it. I see myself within the household within the movie. The principle character, Celie, performed by Whoopi Goldberg, goes via a lot and overcomes all of it ultimately. Watching her get her children again and seeing [Shug] Avery reunite together with her dad is one thing I yearn for.
Favourite film reminiscence?
My favourite film reminiscence is “The Shade Purple” as a result of it was the final movie I watched with my mother. She handed away once I was 12, and it was her favourite, so we watched it each Saturday and Sunday. The music and household themes are issues I longed for after she handed, and I typically reminisce about these instances.
How has your appreciation for or connection to movie modified?
I’m studying to look at films for extra than simply leisure. I’ve began to know the significance of on the lookout for messages and critiquing high quality. Since collaborating on this competition, I view every movie otherwise than I ever have earlier than.
What do you need to see extra of in jail movies?
I need movies to current extra genuine and reasonable messages, shying away from stereotypes concerning the legal justice system. Most jail movies present incarcerated individuals within the worst mild. Whereas some horrible issues occur, there are additionally nice issues occurring, like individuals studying about themselves, individuals experiencing their first interplay with humanity. All of this could occur in a jail setting, the place you least count on it.
Ryan Lawrence, 33
All-time favourite movie?
“Concern and Loathing in Las Vegas.” I’m a giant fan of Hunter S. Thompson. [As] an aspiring author, it clicks with me on many ranges. I used to take a number of medicine, and the portrayal of the psychedelic life and the hippies within the ’60s actually resonates with me.
Favourite film reminiscence?
Sitting across the sofa within the household room with my household, my sisters and my brother, and my dad and mom simply watching comedies and Disney films and stuff like that, and actually sharing high quality household time. Though we’re probably not speaking [right now], that feeling of affection and nostalgia comes again once I watch these films. It jogs my memory of being beloved once more.
How has your appreciation for or connection to movie modified?
Being incarcerated appears like being faraway from society, which might slender your imaginative and prescient. However you can even select to broaden your perspective. I’ve realized to look at myself and the world round me extra deeply. Now, I see every part as artwork — structure, floral patterns, culinary arts. Movie is simply one other facet of this new mild for me.
What do you need to see extra of in jail movies?
I need movies to indicate the brilliance and sweetness that additionally exist right here. You must sift via rather a lot to search out it, nevertheless it’s there. That’s the primary factor individuals have to know — that there are gems in right here. In case you’re keen to place within the work and seek for it, or put up the Batman sign, it’ll be responded to in a very useful method for each the particular person inside and people outdoors.
Jonathan Mills, 61
All-time favourite movie?
It’s “The Spook Who Sat by the Door.” [The main character] Freeman climbs the ladder to develop into one of many solely profitable [Black] CIA members. As an alternative of staying with the CIA, he goes again to his group to be a social employee. He teaches the neighborhood, together with gang members, all the talents he realized. It impressed me as a youngster as a result of I didn’t see individuals of coloration in these positions.
Favourite film reminiscence?
My father, God relaxation his soul, handed away final yr. He took me to see “The Training of Sonny Carson.” Sonny Carson is from Brooklyn, and he was what you’d name a troubled soul. He was a part of gangs, handled medicine and all that. He had an epiphany, realizing all this wasn’t useful to the group or himself. So, he wound up turning into a social activist for his neighborhood. It was memorable as a result of my father took me, and every time I consider that film, he involves thoughts.
How has your appreciation for or connection to movie modified?
Initially, I watched films for leisure. Since turning into a juror within the movie competition at Sing Sing, I developed a crucial eye for element. Now I understand how to have a look at films otherwise; I perceive the storylines and the method.
What do you need to see extra of in jail movies?
There are such a lot of nuances within the jail system that go unnoticed. But when I needed to decide one, it’d be the method of how people are accused of being assaultive towards employees. Individuals solely see what’s on paper. I get it; it’s exhausting for these doing time and for the employees, however the employees want extra sensitivity coaching. Now that America lastly admits that there is a psychological well being drawback [in the country], we have to deal with the truth that many getting into the system aren’t psychologically developed to regulate to what’s occurring. Loads of that must be regarded into.
Alonzo “Tiny” Miles, 56
All-time favourite movie?
I’ve two. The primary is “Jaws,” which is particular as a result of my mom would take me out of faculty to see matinees. I used to be like her date for the films. “Jaws” was one of many first movies we noticed collectively.
However my favourite is “Conan the Barbarian” with Arnold Schwarzenegger, not Jason Momoa. The reason is due to the stereotype about huge individuals. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character is educated and a thinker. He wasn’t only a huge brute; he nonetheless had a mind inside his head. He was [also] in love. For a giant man like that, it isn’t regular the place I come from for you to have the ability to categorical love the way in which that he did.
Favourite film reminiscence?
Movies have at all times been vital to me, due to the connection [they] gave me with my mom. Going to the films was how we interacted — having popcorn and sizzling canines, then heading to the sport room collectively. All all through my childhood, all the way in which up till her passing, we went to the films [together]. The final film we noticed collectively was “Amistad.” It wasn’t simply concerning the movie, however watching her get emotionally invested within the characters. Seeing her categorical her emotions whereas we watched is one in every of my fondest recollections.
How has your appreciation for or connection to movie modified?
Watching movies in jail has helped me sustain with what is going on on out on the earth, as a result of a number of the stuff that is depicted via movie is a reproduction of what is going on on on the earth. It has additionally helped me keep linked to my household as a result of they’re into movies as a lot as I’m, so we’ve dialogue that brings us nearer over the phone and through visits.
What do you need to see extra of in jail movies?
What I want was explored via films is the method of turning into snug with who you’re. I didn’t know find out how to articulate myself once I was younger, so I expressed myself bodily. I needed to undergo a journey of understanding myself to articulate my feelings and ideas. I feel a film exhibiting the transition from who you had been to who you are going to be could be impactful. This journey doesn’t occur in a single day. It takes years of engaged on your self, being sincere, and desirous to do higher.
Noel Rivera, 32
All-time favourite movie?
“The Nightmare Earlier than Christmas.” Jack [Skellington], the king of Halloweentown, has the urge to strive one thing new. When he discovers the portal to Santa’s world, he’s enchanted by the snow and desires to share this expertise along with his group. It’s about overcoming challenges and reworking perceptions of being “scary” people. I see a transformational energy in how you should utilize the chance to alter, similar to the circumstances [in this movie].
Favourite film reminiscence?
My favourite reminiscence is watching “The Nightmare Earlier than Christmas” and “Residence Alone” with my stepmother, who raised me; or simply having fun with watching “The Little Rascals” with my household.
How has your appreciation for or connection to movie modified?
New films come out, however we are able to’t watch them straight away. We have now to attend for them to return out on DVD after which be performed within the facility. And it isn’t like we are able to watch it on demand ourselves. So, there’s an anticipation round watching them and listening to about them.
What do you need to see extra of in jail movies?
I need to see extra movies like those we’ve seen [during this festival]. They spotlight the system, particular person tales, and the transformative energy of being incarcerated. It’s not nearly individuals doing destructive issues, however about transformation [that comes] when applications are provided, and alternatives are provided for betterment to broaden that particular person’s thoughts. When people know higher or are given the chance and the possibility to do higher, they most probably will take the chance to take action.
Anthony Wager, 48
All-time favourite movie?
My all-time favourite film is “Colours,” as a result of I grew up in that sort of atmosphere. The film caught with me a lot, as a result of it was a household factor, and the subjects it coated had been relatable to me.
Favourite film reminiscence?
When “Colours” got here out, my mother, pops and brother all went as a household to see it. Being so younger and capable of relate to the story, I realized that simply since you’re a part of a sure atmosphere, it does not outline you; it’s the alternatives you make that actually matter.
How has your appreciation for or connection to movie modified?
You get to study to understand extra of the artwork and the effort and time that goes into making a film. As you sit right here and watch the entire film, together with the previews and featured trailers that I truly watch now — as a result of in jail, you bought nothing however time — you study to understand the trouble they put into it.
What do you need to see extra of in jail movies?
It must be the way in which the world perceives us and the way in which we truly reside. [Films] don’t contact on many points of our lives, and what we’re coping with right here in jail. It is a totally different society altogether that individuals don’t understand.
