Incarcerated Men at Sing Sing Share Their Views on Movies and Justice

Last Thursday, Sing Sing Correctional Facility held its first-ever movie competition. It stood out not only for its setting but in addition for its jury: incarcerated males who share a deep love for motion pictures.

Organized by The Marshall Undertaking, 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 boys participated in a movie criticism workshop with filmmaker El Sawyer, the place they realized to guage movies for story, model, depth and authenticity. The jurors then spent per week deliberating, earlier than finally selecting one among 5 legal justice-related documentaries for the highest prize. “Songs From the Gap,” a documentary visible album directed by Contessa Gayles, received the Excellence in Prison Justice Storytelling Award.

We spoke with the jurors about their private connections to movie. They shared their film reminiscences and mirrored on how their favourite movies have formed their views on justice, neighborhood and life behind bars.

Alexander Aguilar, 33

What’s your all-time favourite movie? Why?

“Dwelling 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 house. By the point we had a home, I used to be in juvie. “Dwelling Alone” jogs my memory of the household reminiscences I want I had grown up round, seen or been part of.

Are you able to share a movie-watching reminiscence that has left an enduring impression on you?

Christmas with my mother. That was the one time of yr she was house with us. These mornings, opening presents and attempting to remain up till midnight — that was my “Dwelling 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 in a different way 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 trying on the world as a child—all the things was leisure, even life. Via training, I truly realized to mature and see issues in a different way. 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 all the things in a special gentle.

What elements of the legal justice journey or the expertise of incarceration do you need to see captured in motion pictures?

We’re typically proven as animals, preventing 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 special individual now at 33 than I used to be at 18.

Raheem Edwards, 44

All-time favourite movie?

It’s robust, however I’d select “Level Break” (1991). It follows a bunch of fellows committing crimes seeking 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 conducting my objectives.

Favourite film reminiscence?

The primary time I noticed “The Outsiders” had an enduring influence. It was the camaraderie, friendship, and the ache of shedding associates. I watched it with my father, and it was one among his favorites.

How has your appreciation for or connection to movie modified?

I’ve change into barely extra emotional and weak. I cry after I see sure issues in motion pictures, like a guardian 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 side as a result of many people undergo the phases — from arrest to arraignment to conviction — with out figuring out what to anticipate. It’s scary, and it’s typically not depicted in a means that helps you perceive the therapy, mistreatment and challenges you face simply sitting in entrance of 12 individuals who don’t know you and have to evaluate you.

Jean Erick Géhy, 49

All-time favourite movie?

My all-time favourite film as a child was “Little Store of Horrors.” I cherished the musical and watched it time and again. However as I obtained 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 spotted 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 motion pictures. Quite a lot of different choices for getting firsthand info are gone, so movies are undoubtedly 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 folks’s efforts to rehabilitate. When you’re incarcerated, rehabilitation is one thing it’s important to search for as a result of it isn’t proper there. There are such a lot of distractions. So, simply making [rehabilitation] extra out there, making extra packages out there, getting folks after they’re younger and giving them that data.

Nigel Francis, 40

All-time favourite movie?

I’ll 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 Obtained 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 time limit.

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 occasions after I do not need to face actuality. That is simply the unlucky reality.

What do you need to see extra of in jail movies?

The results on family members and households; not simply the households of the victims, but in addition the households and family members of these inside. I feel if this had been portrayed extra, it may truly be very preventative as a result of folks may see — these are the issues I’m doing, that is the way it’s gonna have an effect on my family members and they might function in a different way. I’d hope so.

Michael Hoffler, 45

All-time favourite movie?

“The Coloration Purple.” I don’t know if it’s the reminiscences with my mother, however I chortle and cry each time I watch it. I see myself within the household within the movie. The primary character, Celie, performed by Whoopi Goldberg, goes by way of a lot and overcomes all of it ultimately. Watching her get her children again and seeing [Shug] Avery reunite along with her dad is one thing I yearn for.

Favourite film reminiscence?

My favourite film reminiscence is “The Coloration Purple” as a result of it was the final movie I watched with my mother. She handed away after 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 occasions.

How has your appreciation for or connection to movie modified?

I’m studying to look at motion pictures for extra than simply leisure. I’ve began to grasp the significance of on the lookout for messages and critiquing high quality. Since taking part on this competition, I view every movie in a different way 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 real looking messages, shying away from stereotypes in regards to the legal justice system. Most jail movies present incarcerated folks within the worst gentle. Whereas some horrible issues occur, there are additionally nice issues occurring, like folks studying about themselves, folks experiencing their first interplay with humanity. All of this will occur in a jail setting, the place you least count on it.

Ryan Lawrence, 33

All-time favourite movie?

“Worry and Loathing in Las Vegas.” I’m an enormous fan of Hunter S. Thompson. [As] an aspiring author, it clicks with me on many ranges. I used to take a whole lot 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 motion pictures 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 after I watch these motion pictures. It jogs my memory of being cherished 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 it’s also possible to select to broaden your perspective. I’ve realized to look at myself and the world round me extra deeply. Now, I see all the things as artwork — structure, floral patterns, culinary arts. Movie is simply one other side of this new gentle for me.

What do you need to see extra of in jail movies?

I need movies to point out the brilliance and wonder that additionally exist right here. You need to sift by way of lots to search out it, nevertheless it’s there. That’s the primary factor folks must know — that there are gems in right here. If you happen to’re prepared to place within the work and seek for it, or put up the Batman sign, it’ll be responded to in a very helpful means for each the individual 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 change into one of many solely profitable [Black] CIA members. As a substitute of staying with the CIA, he goes again to his neighborhood to be a social employee. He teaches the neighborhood, together with gang members, all the abilities he realized. It impressed me as a teenager as a result of I didn’t see folks of shade 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 neighborhood 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 each time I consider that film, he involves thoughts.

How has your appreciation for or connection to movie modified?

Initially, I watched motion pictures 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 motion pictures in a different way; 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. Folks 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 downside [in the country], we have to tackle the truth that many getting into the system aren’t psychologically developed to regulate to what’s occurring. Quite a lot 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 college to see matinees. I used to be like her date for the flicks. “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 massive folks. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character is educated and a thinker. He wasn’t only a massive brute; he nonetheless had a mind inside his head. He was [also] in love. For an enormous man like that, it isn’t regular the place I come from for you to have the ability to specific love the way in which that he did.

Favourite film reminiscence?

Movies have all the time been necessary to me, due to the connection [they] gave me with my mom. Going to the flicks 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 flicks [together]. The final film we noticed collectively was “Amistad.” It wasn’t simply in regards to the movie, however watching her get emotionally invested within the characters. Seeing her specific her emotions whereas we watched is one among my fondest reminiscences.

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 planet, as a result of a whole lot of the stuff that is depicted by way of movie is a duplicate of what is going on on on the planet. 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 now have 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 by way of motion pictures is the method of turning into snug with who you might be. I didn’t know the best way to articulate myself after 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 displaying the transition from who you had been to who you are going to be can be impactful. This journey doesn’t occur in a single day. It takes years of engaged on your self, being trustworthy, 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 attempt one thing new. When he discovers the portal to Santa’s world, he’s enchanted by the snow and needs to share this expertise along with his neighborhood. It’s about overcoming challenges and reworking perceptions of being “scary” people. I see a transformational energy in how you need to use 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 “Dwelling 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 motion pictures come out, however we will’t watch them instantly. We now have to attend for them to come back out on DVD after which be performed within the facility. And it isn’t like we will 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 folks doing unfavorable issues, however about transformation [that comes] when packages are supplied, and alternatives are supplied for betterment to develop that individual’s thoughts. When people know higher or are given the chance and the possibility to do higher, they more than likely 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 kind 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 in a position to relate to the story, I realized that simply since you’re a part of a sure atmosphere, it would 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 be taught 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 be taught 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 stay. [Films] don’t contact on many elements of our lives, and what we’re coping with right here in jail. This can be a completely different society altogether that individuals don’t notice.