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On Tuesday, August 20th, Redemption Earned, in partnership with the Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project and The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, hosted an impactful screening of A24 Films’ upcoming release, Sing Sing, on the campus of Auburn University. This compelling film, based on a true story, explores the lives of incarcerated men who form a theater group, finding solace and purpose amid the harsh realities of prison life.
Sing Sing delves into the daily struggles these men face as they navigate the dehumanizing conditions of incarceration while forging unbreakable bonds with one another. The film is a poignant portrayal of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of art, even in the darkest of circumstances. Following the screening, a thought-provoking panel discussion was held, featuring former Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, Justice Sue Bell Cobb, and Kyes Stevens, founder of the Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project. The panelists addressed the pressing issues of deplorable prison conditions in Alabama and the flaws in the state’s parole system.
Kyes Stevens, who has spent over 20 years working with incarcerated individuals, shared her insights, stating, “While Sing Sing captures the emotional truth of life behind bars, it’s important to recognize that the film is a somewhat idealized version of the stark reality many inmates face. The hopelessness experienced by those inside Alabama’s prisons is profound, yet many continue to strive for redemption, even when the odds seem insurmountable.”
Justice Cobb highlighted a critical difference between the film and real life, noting that while the film’s protagonist, portrayed by actor Coleman DiMingo, was able to attend his parole hearing in person, this is rarely the case for inmates in Alabama. “Their greatest fear is dying in prison,” Cobb remarked, “closely followed by the fear of losing a loved one while they are still incarcerated. The dehumanization within prison walls can strip away a person’s humanity, often leading to a loss of hope.” Stevens further emphasized the importance of positive engagement for incarcerated individuals, stating, “When people are deprived of meaningful interaction and opportunities for self-expression, it erodes their sense of humanity. Providing access to arts and education offers a crucial chance for inmates to reimagine their lives and rediscover their sense of self.”
The event underscored the vital role that arts and education play in the rehabilitation process and the need for systemic change within the criminal justice system. Redemption Earned will continue its mission of educating and advocating by hosting another screening of Sing Sing on Tuesday, September 17th, at 6 p.m., at the MacQueen Alumni Center, 100 Alumni Dr, Mobile, AL 36688, on the campus of the University of South Alabama. Register here.
Redemption Earned is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting individuals affected by the criminal justice system. Through education, advocacy, and direct services, the organization seeks to empower individuals to reclaim their lives and contribute positively to their communities. For more information, please visit www.redemptionearned.org or contact (205) 325-6893.
