2026-27 Official Selections
A Theory of Change: Clemency
A Theory of Change: Clemency
A Theory of Change: Clemency
Despite serving life without parole for a crime committed as a teenager, Rhidale Dotson has spent nearly ten thousand days transforming his Colorado prison community through mentorship and systemic reform. This short documentary, submitted as part of his 2026 clemency petition, chronicles his remarkable rehabilitation and advocates for h
Despite serving life without parole for a crime committed as a teenager, Rhidale Dotson has spent nearly ten thousand days transforming his Colorado prison community through mentorship and systemic reform. This short documentary, submitted as part of his 2026 clemency petition, chronicles his remarkable rehabilitation and advocates for his release by challenging the justice of "Death by Incarceration."
Directors: Jesse Parker Hart, Kashmiere Dotson
Being Michelle
A Theory of Change: Clemency
Being Michelle
"BEING MICHELLE" chronicles the astonishing journey of a deaf and autistic woman who survived traumatic abuse within the justice system before her life was transformed by a blind volunteer life coach named Kim Law. Now out of prison, the two women work together to process Michelle’s harrowing history through her artwork, forging a powerf
"BEING MICHELLE" chronicles the astonishing journey of a deaf and autistic woman who survived traumatic abuse within the justice system before her life was transformed by a blind volunteer life coach named Kim Law. Now out of prison, the two women work together to process Michelle’s harrowing history through her artwork, forging a powerful bond and a path toward true healing and redemption.
Director: Atin Mehra
Beyond
Beyond Trauma
Being Michelle
At one of the country’s most notorious maximum security prisons, a group of incarcerated men prepare for a TED-style event that showcases their personal narratives along with ideas for changing the prison system and healing their communities. With unprecedented access to Sing Sing prison, the film follows the speakers’ journeys from audit
At one of the country’s most notorious maximum security prisons, a group of incarcerated men prepare for a TED-style event that showcases their personal narratives along with ideas for changing the prison system and healing their communities. With unprecedented access to Sing Sing prison, the film follows the speakers’ journeys from audition to their climactic moment on stage, highlighting themes of vulnerability, healing and redemption.
Directors: Asia Johnson & Michael Kleiman
Beyond Trauma
Beyond Trauma
Beyond Trauma
Beyond Trauma: Stories of Hope is a powerful documentary that follows formerly incarcerated men as they confront the childhood trauma that shaped their lives and begin the journey toward healing. Through honest storytelling, art, and reflection, the film reveals how understanding the root causes of trauma can break cycles of incarceration
Beyond Trauma: Stories of Hope is a powerful documentary that follows formerly incarcerated men as they confront the childhood trauma that shaped their lives and begin the journey toward healing. Through honest storytelling, art, and reflection, the film reveals how understanding the root causes of trauma can break cycles of incarceration and create pathways to hope, healing, and lasting transformation.
Director: Twyana Davis
Cohort One
Beyond Trauma
Beyond Trauma
Three incarceration survivors, transformed through education and restorative justice, journey from prison cells to campus classrooms as they rebuild their lives on the outside while pursuing a college degree.
Director: Susan Young
Firebreak
It's Criminal
It's Criminal
Brandon and Royal are among a small group of firefighters in California who were trained while incarcerated and managed to break through and become professional firefighters post-release, but that’s not the story for most of their peers. After securing their own careers, they decided to take matters into their own hands and start their o
Brandon and Royal are among a small group of firefighters in California who were trained while incarcerated and managed to break through and become professional firefighters post-release, but that’s not the story for most of their peers. After securing their own careers, they decided to take matters into their own hands and start their own nonprofit and fire department. Firebreak follows Brandon, Royal and their third group of trainees as they make their way through Brandon and Royal’s tough training program.
Director: Kenzie Bruce
It's Criminal
It's Criminal
It's Criminal
"It's Criminal" is a documentary that explores societal inequities by following incarcerated women and Dartmouth College students as they collaborate to write and perform an original play about the women's lives. Through this transformative creative process, both groups overcome their prejudices to form profound friendships, demonstrating
"It's Criminal" is a documentary that explores societal inequities by following incarcerated women and Dartmouth College students as they collaborate to write and perform an original play about the women's lives. Through this transformative creative process, both groups overcome their prejudices to form profound friendships, demonstrating how empathy can bridge deep divides of privilege and poverty.
Director: Signe Margueritte Taylor
Lockdown
It's Criminal
One Minute Remaining
During a sudden prison lockdown, a group of incarcerated men confront the emotional weight of confinement and discover that solidarity and human connection may be the only way through the darkness.
Lockdown is a 15-minute short film written, directed, and performed by incarcerated creators inside Washington State Penitentiary. Drawn direct
During a sudden prison lockdown, a group of incarcerated men confront the emotional weight of confinement and discover that solidarity and human connection may be the only way through the darkness.
Lockdown is a 15-minute short film written, directed, and performed by incarcerated creators inside Washington State Penitentiary. Drawn directly from lived experience, it follows a group of men confined during a lockdown as they navigate fear, memory, tension, and moments of connection. In the stillness of enforced isolation, they lean on one another for hope, and survival.
Directors: Megean McBride Sanchez, Vik Chopra, John Shaw, Rony, Christopher, Michael, Shawn, Bryce
One Minute Remaining
Painting Ourselves Into Society
One Minute Remaining
"One Minute Remaining" follows three families navigating the chaotic toll of incarceration and the eventual release of their loved ones, highlighting the specific burdens placed on women. Anchored by one woman's fierce battle to secure medical treatment for her incarcerated former husband's Multiple Sclerosis, the documentary exposes the
"One Minute Remaining" follows three families navigating the chaotic toll of incarceration and the eventual release of their loved ones, highlighting the specific burdens placed on women. Anchored by one woman's fierce battle to secure medical treatment for her incarcerated former husband's Multiple Sclerosis, the documentary exposes the profound, unintended consequences the prison system inflicts on millions of American families.
Director: Colin Sytsma
Painting Ourselves Into Society
Painting Ourselves Into Society
Painting Ourselves Into Society
Eight system-impacted artists participate in an art exhibit curated by incarcerated Graphic Artist Orlando O. Smith, about what it means to paint themselves back into the consciousness of society.
Director: Rahsaan L Thomas
Prison and Time
Painting Ourselves Into Society
Painting Ourselves Into Society
Filmmaker Evan Bode animates excerpts of an essay by writer & activist Marvin Wade, who speaks personally about his 25 years of incarceration—and the growth he achieved in spite of, not because of, the inhumane prison system around him.
This collaboration was produced by Project Mend, an organization in Central New York which celebrates th
Filmmaker Evan Bode animates excerpts of an essay by writer & activist Marvin Wade, who speaks personally about his 25 years of incarceration—and the growth he achieved in spite of, not because of, the inhumane prison system around him.
This collaboration was produced by Project Mend, an organization in Central New York which celebrates the lives and creative work of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people as well as other individuals impacted by the criminal legal system.
Director: Evan Bode & Marvin Wade
Reservation Redemption
Reservation Redemption
Reservation Redemption
So, Boom
Reservation Redemption
Songs Inside
Developed from real-life experiences in jail-based theater classes, "So, Boom" follows Sweet Tea as she gives her teenage sister an urgent, humorous crash course on surviving incarceration the night before her sentence begins. Beneath the DIY tutorials on commissary cuisine and jail hacks lies a poignant story of grief and the desperate d
Developed from real-life experiences in jail-based theater classes, "So, Boom" follows Sweet Tea as she gives her teenage sister an urgent, humorous crash course on surviving incarceration the night before her sentence begins. Beneath the DIY tutorials on commissary cuisine and jail hacks lies a poignant story of grief and the desperate desire to protect a loved one from a broken system.
Director: Abby Pierce
Songs Inside
Tarik Shah - Don't Play Like Them
Songs Inside
The award-winning documentary "SONGS INSIDE" follows a group of incarcerated women in Australia as they work with First Nations singer-songwriter Nancy Bates to discover the healing power of music. Confronting profound personal traumas and fears about life after release, the women undergo a transformative six-month journey that culminate
The award-winning documentary "SONGS INSIDE" follows a group of incarcerated women in Australia as they work with First Nations singer-songwriter Nancy Bates to discover the healing power of music. Confronting profound personal traumas and fears about life after release, the women undergo a transformative six-month journey that culminates in a historic, large-scale concert inside the prison featuring a professional symphony orchestra.
Director: Shalom Almond
System Impacted Relationships
Tarik Shah - Don't Play Like Them
Tarik Shah - Don't Play Like Them
Romantic relationships involving currently in formerly incarcerated people are a significantly impactful and unaddressed topic in the health of those impacted by the system. This documentary explores the complex realities of romantic relationships shaped by incarceration, revealing the beauty, struggle, and lessons born from carceral sepa
Romantic relationships involving currently in formerly incarcerated people are a significantly impactful and unaddressed topic in the health of those impacted by the system. This documentary explores the complex realities of romantic relationships shaped by incarceration, revealing the beauty, struggle, and lessons born from carceral separation, stigma, and survival. Told through the voices of those most impacted, it offers an honest, intimate look at love, loss, and connection behind and beyond the walls.
Director: Shannon Michael Ross & Kaleigh Atkinson
Tarik Shah - Don't Play Like Them
Tarik Shah - Don't Play Like Them
Tarik Shah - Don't Play Like Them
Tarik Shah is a supremely talented jazz bassist, a beloved teacher of music and martial arts, a trusted friend and mentor to many. How did he end up being entrapped by the FBI and locked away in solitary confinement for over 2 and a half years.....unjustly imprisoned for 15 years? Meet this incredible American and hear his remarkable stor
Tarik Shah is a supremely talented jazz bassist, a beloved teacher of music and martial arts, a trusted friend and mentor to many. How did he end up being entrapped by the FBI and locked away in solitary confinement for over 2 and a half years.....unjustly imprisoned for 15 years? Meet this incredible American and hear his remarkable story of resilience and triumph of the human spirit.
Director: Barry Rubinow
The Inside Scholars
The Next Act is Freedom
The Next Act is Freedom
Follow the stories of three formerly incarcerated individuals who began their educational journeys while in prison. As they explore what's possible for their futures, they'll meet inspiring folks who've been in their shoes—and learn how they found success on the outside.
Director: Dan Ford
The Next Act is Freedom
The Next Act is Freedom
The Next Act is Freedom
"The Next Act Is Freedom" documents Chicago’s prison-abolition community as they host the inaugural Resilience Arts Festival amid a federal occupation, showcasing performances by and for those impacted by the justice system. Guided by organizer Brian Beals and the Chicago Torture Justice Center, the film explores how incarcerated and form
"The Next Act Is Freedom" documents Chicago’s prison-abolition community as they host the inaugural Resilience Arts Festival amid a federal occupation, showcasing performances by and for those impacted by the justice system. Guided by organizer Brian Beals and the Chicago Torture Justice Center, the film explores how incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals use theater to navigate systemic oppression, advocate for politicized healing, and find resilient strength through human connection.
Director: Mariam Aejaz, Mary Huber, Sumiah Salloum, Toni Smalls, & Drew Smalls-Verneau
The Pathway to Freedom
The Next Act is Freedom
The Pathway to Freedom
One mother's effort to save a community from mass incarceration in the State of Washington.
Director: Sam Hampton
The Return
The Second Life of Freddie Nole
The Pathway to Freedom
One Man.
Twenty-Three Years.
At 16 years old, Jonathan Irons was arrested, convicted, and sentenced to 65 years for a crime he didn't commit.
He spent the next 23 years of that sentence on a journey through Missouri's most infamous and dangerous prisons and emerged not bitter, but transformed.
Director: Adam Thomason
The Second Life of Freddie Nole
The Second Life of Freddie Nole
The Second Life of Freddie Nole
When Freddie Nole drives to meet a man walking out of prison, he’s not just offering a ride, he’s offering hope, dignity, and a path to permanent freedom. As this vérité road trip unfolds over the course of one day, we come to learn the remarkable story behind Freddie’s mission, a staggering mistake that cost him 50 years of freedom but u
When Freddie Nole drives to meet a man walking out of prison, he’s not just offering a ride, he’s offering hope, dignity, and a path to permanent freedom. As this vérité road trip unfolds over the course of one day, we come to learn the remarkable story behind Freddie’s mission, a staggering mistake that cost him 50 years of freedom but ultimately brings him right back to the prison door.
Director: Dana Nachman
Whispers Beyond Bars
The Second Life of Freddie Nole
The Second Life of Freddie Nole
When a young pregnant woman discovers a hidden journal among her grandmother’s keepsakes, she uncovers the story of an incarcerated mother navigating pregnancy behind bars. As the pages unfold, the film weaves between freedom and confinement, revealing parallel birth stories that expose the trauma of maternal separation and the resilience
When a young pregnant woman discovers a hidden journal among her grandmother’s keepsakes, she uncovers the story of an incarcerated mother navigating pregnancy behind bars. As the pages unfold, the film weaves between freedom and confinement, revealing parallel birth stories that expose the trauma of maternal separation and the resilience of love. In the final revelation, the young woman realizes the journal’s author is her own mother, forever linking their journeys across generations.
Director: Marci Marie Ray