The Ins and Outs of the New Film, Sing Sing

By Robert Rose, SSPM Communications Manager

The carceral system often conjures images of harsh punishments and bleak futures. However, the film Sing Sing presents another narrative: one of hope, redemption, male friendship, and the transformative power of rehabilitation programs. All this sheds a very different light on the notorious Sing Sing Correctional Facility.
 
On June 20th, I returned to Sing Sing and watched the movie in the auditorium alongside current Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) members, alumni, and some of the film’s cast members. As the credits rolled, there was loud applause and smiles on faces. It was then that I realized Katherine Vockins’ words— “Trust in the process”—held true. Education and arts programs can inspire incarcerated individuals, helping them find their voice along with purpose and self-worth.

Sing Sing mirrors my journey in RTA. In the spring of 2003, I joined RTA seeking self-hope. Initially hesitant, I made it clear to the steering committee that I wasn’t an actor. However, as I participated in Shakespeare and storytelling workshops, I discovered a new passion. In this program, I found engagement while honing creative skills and fostering community and mutual support. The camaraderie and discipline required for production mirror the skills needed for successful reintegration into the community.

During a recent screening of Sing Sing at the Angelika Film Center in NYC, cast member James Williams shared his perspective on the impact of Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA): “A lot of times with RTA, we don’t just act; we aim to change the prison population.” This sentiment resonates deeply, echoing the experiences of founding member Sean Dino Johnson. Sean recalled the inaugural production of “Reality in Motion,” where cast members immersed themselves in character, even during walks in the prison yard. Their hope extended beyond the confines of the Facility—they envisioned broader audiences and family involvement. As Sean poignantly expressed, “It’s emotional for me to watch this, just to see how far we’ve come and where we stand today.” This journey—the process—is a testament to the transformative power of the arts within prison walls.

Robert Rose at the Angelika Film Center

Let’s learn a little more about the film. Sing Sing is a film directed by Greg Kwedar and co-written by Clint Bentley. It is inspired by the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Ossining’s Sing Sing Correctional Facility. It centers on a group of incarcerated men working together to stage theatrical productions as part of a rehabilitation program. The cast includes professional actors such as Colman Domingo and Paul Raci, as well as formerly incarcerated men who participated in the program during their time in prison, such as Clarence 'Divine Eye' Maclin, Sean San José, and John 'Divine G' Whitfield, who collectively defined what is called the “RTA Process.”   Director Greg Kwedar reflects on the film’s journey, stating, “We’ve worked on this movie for over seven years, and every time I meet a new RTA participant or alumnus, I grow more confident that this is one of the most unique and transformative programs that I’ve ever encountered.”

Colman Domingo and Clarence Maclin in Sing Sing

Since I have personally witnessed the transformative power of the arts within correctional facilities, I can attest that the film beautifully captures personal growth and positive change among incarcerated men, some of whom are serving life sentences. As you watch Sing Sing, remember that it serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of rehabilitation programs in prisons. These programs encompass arts, academics, religion, and more, equipping incarcerated individuals with the tools they need to rebuild their lives. Despite facing harsh punishments and uncertain futures, these programs play a crucial role in reducing reoffending and offering a path toward self-confidence, redemption and hope.

​After attending the past two screenings and listening to the audience, it’s clear that films like Sing Sing make a significant contribution to reshaping public perceptions about incarcerated individuals and the prison system. By humanizing the experiences of inmates and emphasizing their potential for change, the film encourages viewers to look beyond the stigma and stereotypes of incarcerated men.

​Sing Sing isn’t just a movie; it serves as a powerful example of the impact of rehabilitation. It prompts us to reconsider our views on imprisonment and support initiatives that help incarcerated individuals find hope, meaning, and a path toward a brighter future. By emphasizing education, the arts, and rehabilitation, we can truly transform the lives of those in prison and positively impact our communities.
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Learn more:
Rehabilitation Through the Arts
Sing Sing (A24 Films)
Video: "How Rehabilitation through the Arts helped one man through..."
RTA Blog: "Nothing Short of Remarkable: RTA Members Perform 'Thoughts of a Colored Man' at Green Haven