Last Thursday, Sing Sing Correctional Facility held its first-ever film festival. It stood out not just for its setting but also for its jury: incarcerated men who share a deep love for movies.
Organized by The Marshall Project, the festival featured a diverse group of five jurors and four alternates — men in their 30s to 60s, of various ethnic backgrounds and educational experiences (several even earned their bachelor’s degrees while incarcerated). Before the festival, the men participated in a film criticism workshop with filmmaker El Sawyer, where they learned to evaluate films for story, style, depth and authenticity. The jurors then spent a week deliberating, before ultimately choosing one of five criminal justice-related documentaries for the top prize. “Songs From the Hole,” a documentary visual album directed by Contessa Gayles, won the Excellence in Criminal Justice Storytelling Award.
We spoke with the jurors about their personal connections to film. They shared their movie memories and reflected on how their favorite films have shaped their views on justice, community and life behind bars.
Alexander Aguilar, 33
What’s your all-time favorite film? Why?
“Home Alone” — for the family dynamics. I grew up with a single mom who worked two jobs. We were poor and lived in a basement, a garage and then a two-bedroom apartment. By the time we had a house, I was in juvie. “Home Alone” reminds me of the family memories I wish I had grown up around, seen or been a part of.
Can you share a movie-watching memory that has left a lasting impression on you?
Christmas with my mom. That was the one time of year she was home with us. Those mornings, opening presents and trying to stay up until midnight — that was my “Home Alone” perspective right there.
How do you think your connection to — or appreciation for — film has changed since you’ve been incarcerated?
I view things differently now, regardless if it’s a movie or life. Education has helped me. As a young kid, [I was] an impulsive individual. I was looking at the world as a kid—everything was entertainment, even life. Through education, I actually learned to mature and see things differently. I actually started putting myself in situations that in the past I didn’t. So, for the majority of things, it was just maturity [that I needed]. It took time for me to see everything in a different light.
What parts of the criminal justice journey or the experience of incarceration do you want to see captured in movies?
We’re often shown as animals, fighting or caged, but that’s not the truth. Most of the time, it’s just the paths we choose. I chose to be in an educator role within the prison system. I chose to rehabilitate myself. It took some time, but this is what you get now: I’m a different person now at 33 than I was at 18.
Raheem Edwards, 44
All-time favorite film?
It’s tough, but I’d choose “Point Break” (1991). It follows a group of guys committing crimes in search of something bigger than themselves. At one point, they perform a dangerous “air-to-earth transfer,” jumping from a plane into a deep cave. I don’t think I want to be that extreme, but I do try to put all my efforts, all my energies into accomplishing my goals.
Favorite movie memory?
The first time I saw “The Outsiders” had a lasting impact. It was the camaraderie, friendship, and the pain of losing friends. I watched it with my father, and it was one of his favorites.
How has your appreciation for or connection to film changed?
I’ve become slightly more emotional and vulnerable. I cry when I see certain things in movies, like a parent hugging a child or standing up for them.
What do you want to see more of in prison films?
I’d like to see the criminal trial aspect because many of us go through the stages — from arrest to arraignment to conviction — without knowing what to expect. It’s scary, and it’s often not depicted in a way that helps you understand the treatment, mistreatment and challenges you face just sitting in front of 12 people who don’t know you and have to judge you.
Jean Erick Géhy, 49
All-time favorite film?
My all-time favorite movie as a kid was “Little Shop of Horrors.” I loved the musical and watched it over and over. But as I got older, I started really liking documentaries about animals and wildlife and nature.
Favorite movie memory?
“Little Shop of Horrors” was a musical, and I knew it had been a Broadway show. After watching it, I realized I might enjoy Broadway, too. [That movie] made me want to explore different things.
How has your appreciation for or connection to film changed?
Being incarcerated, one of the few ways to entertain yourself is by watching movies. A lot of other options for getting firsthand information are gone, so films are definitely a medium that people use to learn about new things.
What do you want to see more of in prison films?
One topic about incarceration that doesn’t get much exposure is people’s efforts to rehabilitate. Once you’re incarcerated, rehabilitation is something you have to look for because it’s not right there. There are so many distractions. So, just making [rehabilitation] more available, making more programs available, getting people when they’re young and giving them that knowledge.
Nigel Francis, 40
All-time favorite film?
I’m going to go with a safe choice: “The Day After Tomorrow.” I like it because we’re really mistreating the planet. If a calamity like that were to happen, what would come next? What would we be like if all infrastructure were destroyed? If there were no electricity, how would we maneuver [something like that]?
Favorite movie memory?
The Tina Turner story, “What’s Love Got to Do with It.” It was a special bonding moment with my mother. I feel like that was the soundtrack for our lives at that point in time.
How has your appreciation for or connection to film changed?
I have an appreciation for films, but they’re something to think about as a distraction at times when I don’t want to face reality. That’s just the unfortunate truth.
What do you want to see more of in prison films?
The effects on loved ones and families; not just the families of the victims, but also the families and loved ones of those inside. I think if this were portrayed more, it could actually be very preventative because people could see — these are the things I’m doing, this is how it’s gonna affect my loved ones and they would operate differently. I would hope so.
Michael Hoffler, 45
All-time favorite film?
“The Color Purple.” I don’t know if it’s the memories with my mom, but I laugh and cry every time I watch it. I see myself in the family in the film. The main character, Celie, played by Whoopi Goldberg, goes through so much and overcomes it all in the end. Watching her get her kids back and seeing [Shug] Avery reunite with her dad is something I yearn for.
Favorite movie memory?
My favorite movie memory is “The Color Purple” because it was the last film I watched with my mom. She passed away when I was 12, and it was her favorite, so we watched it every Saturday and Sunday. The music and family themes are things I longed for after she passed, and I often reminisce about those times.
How has your appreciation for or connection to film changed?
I’m learning to watch movies for more than just entertainment. I’ve started to understand the importance of looking for messages and critiquing quality. Since participating in this festival, I view each film differently than I ever have before.
What do you want to see more of in prison films?
I want films to present more authentic and realistic messages, shying away from stereotypes about the criminal justice system. Most prison films show incarcerated people in the worst light. While some horrible things happen, there are also great things going on, like people learning about themselves, people experiencing their first interaction with humanity. All of this can happen in a prison setting, where you least expect it.
Ryan Lawrence, 33
All-time favorite film?
“Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” I’m a big fan of Hunter S. Thompson. [As] an aspiring writer, it clicks with me on many levels. I used to take a lot of drugs, and the portrayal of the psychedelic life and the hippies in the ’60s really resonates with me.
Favorite movie memory?
Sitting around the couch in the family room with my family, my sisters and my brother, and my parents just watching comedies and Disney movies and stuff like that, and really sharing quality family time. Even though we’re not really talking [right now], that feeling of love and nostalgia comes back when I watch those movies. It reminds me of being loved again.
How has your appreciation for or connection to film changed?
Being incarcerated feels like being removed from society, which can narrow your vision. But you can also choose to broaden your perspective. I’ve learned to observe myself and the world around me more deeply. Now, I see everything as art — architecture, floral patterns, culinary arts. Film is just another aspect of this new light for me.
What do you want to see more of in prison films?
I want films to show the brilliance and beauty that also exist here. You have to sift through a lot to find it, but it’s there. That’s the main thing people need to know — that there are gems in here. If you’re willing to put in the work and search for it, or put up the Batman signal, it’ll be responded to in a really beneficial way for both the person inside and those outside.
Jonathan Mills, 61
All-time favorite film?
It’s “The Spook Who Sat by the Door.” [The main character] Freeman climbs the ladder to become one of the only successful [Black] CIA members. Instead of staying with the CIA, he goes back to his community to be a social worker. He teaches the neighborhood, including gang members, all the skills he learned. It impressed me as a young person because I didn’t see people of color in those positions.
Favorite movie memory?
My father, God rest his soul, passed away last year. He took me to see “The Education of Sonny Carson.” Sonny Carson is from Brooklyn, and he was what you’d call a troubled soul. He was part of gangs, dealt with drugs and all that. He had an epiphany, realizing all this wasn’t helpful to the community or himself. So, he wound up becoming a social activist for his neighborhood. It was memorable because my father took me, and whenever I think of that movie, he comes to mind.
How has your appreciation for or connection to film changed?
Initially, I watched movies for entertainment. Since becoming a juror in the film festival at Sing Sing, I developed a critical eye for detail. Now I know how to look at movies differently; I understand the storylines and the process.
What do you want to see more of in prison films?
There are so many nuances in the prison system that go unnoticed. But if I had to pick one, it’d be the process of how individuals are accused of being assaultive toward staff. People only see what’s on paper. I get it; it’s hard for those doing time and for the staff, but the staff need more sensitivity training. Now that America finally admits that there’s a mental health problem [in the country], we need to address the fact that many entering the system aren’t psychologically developed to adjust to what’s going on. A lot of that needs to be looked into.
Alonzo “Tiny” Miles, 56
All-time favorite film?
I have two. The first is “Jaws,” which is special because my mother would take me out of school to see matinees. I was like her date for the movies. “Jaws” was one of the first films we saw together.
But my favorite is “Conan the Barbarian” with Arnold Schwarzenegger, not Jason Momoa. The reason being because of the stereotype about big people. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character is educated and a philosopher. He wasn’t just a big brute; he still had a brain inside his head. He was [also] in love. For a big man like that, it’s not normal where I come from for you to be able to express love the way that he did.
Favorite movie memory?
Films have always been important to me, because of the connection [they] gave me with my mother. Going to the movies was how we interacted — having popcorn and hot dogs, then heading to the game room together. All throughout my childhood, all the way up until her passing, we went to the movies [together]. The last movie we saw together was “Amistad.” It wasn’t just about the film, but watching her get emotionally invested in the characters. Seeing her express her feelings while we watched is one of my fondest memories.
How has your appreciation for or connection to film changed?
Watching films in prison has helped me keep up with what’s going on out in the world, because a lot of the stuff that’s depicted through film is a replica of what’s going on in the world. It has also helped me stay connected to my family because they’re into films as much as I am, so we have dialogue that brings us closer over the telephone and during visits.
What do you want to see more of in prison films?
What I wish was explored through movies is the process of becoming comfortable with who you are. I didn’t know how to articulate myself when I was young, so I expressed myself physically. I had to go through a journey of understanding myself to articulate my emotions and thoughts. I think a movie showing the transition from who you were to who you’re going to be would be impactful. This journey doesn’t happen overnight. It takes years of working on yourself, being honest, and wanting to do better.
Noel Rivera, 32
All-time favorite film?
“The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Jack [Skellington], the king of Halloweentown, has the urge to try something new. When he discovers the portal to Santa’s world, he is enchanted by the snow and wants to share this experience with his community. It’s about overcoming challenges and transforming perceptions of being “scary” individuals. I see a transformational power in how you can use the opportunity to change, just like the circumstances [in this movie].
Favorite movie memory?
My favorite memory is watching “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Home Alone” with my stepmother, who raised me; or just enjoying watching “The Little Rascals” with my family.
How has your appreciation for or connection to film changed?
New movies come out, but we can’t watch them right away. We have to wait for them to come out on DVD and then be played in the facility. And it’s not like we can watch it on demand ourselves. So, there’s an anticipation around watching them and hearing about them.
What do you want to see more of in prison films?
I want to see more films like the ones we’ve seen [during this festival]. They highlight the system, individual stories, and the transformative power of being incarcerated. It’s not just about people doing negative things, but about transformation [that comes] when programs are offered, and opportunities are offered for betterment to expand that person’s mind. When individuals know better or are given the opportunity and the chance to do better, they most likely will take the opportunity to do so.
Anthony Wager, 48
All-time favorite film?
My all-time favorite movie is “Colors,” because I grew up in that type of environment. The movie stuck with me so much, because it was a family thing, and the topics it covered were relatable to me.
Favorite movie memory?
When “Colors” came out, my mom, pops and brother all went as a family to see it. Being so young and able to relate to the story, I learned that just because you’re part of a certain environment, it doesn’t define you; it’s the choices you make that truly matter.
How has your appreciation for or connection to film changed?
You get to learn to appreciate more of the art and the time and effort that goes into making a movie. As you sit here and watch the whole movie, along with the previews and featured trailers that I actually watch now — because in prison, you got nothing but time — you learn to appreciate the effort they put into it.
What do you want to see more of in prison films?
It would have to be the way the world perceives us and the way we actually live. [Films] don’t touch on many aspects of our lives, and what we’re dealing with here in prison. This is a different society altogether that people don’t realize.
