In the United States, more than two million people are incarcerated. That’s about .7% of the population. There are so many documentaries about prison that it can be hard to know where to start. This list will give you 10 documentary films about prison that will make you rethink your perspective on jail. These documentaries offer a variety of perspectives and touch on different topics related to incarceration, ranging from history and current events to rehabilitation and punishment. Whether you are a documentary viewer or a movie aficionado, these 10 films will have you thinking long after the credits roll. From stories of innocence and justice to those of revenge and rehabilitation, each one is sure to leave an impression. So take some time out of your day to watch these insightful documentaries about prison that will certainly challenge your preconceived notions. You’ll never look at incarceration the same way again.
1. “13th” (2016): This powerful documentary examines the history of racism and mass incarceration in the United States, connecting it to the current state of affairs. The film provides an eye-opening perspective on how race and justice are intertwined within our criminal justice system. Through interviews with scholars, activists, politicians, and those incarcerated, “13th” shows that modern day mass incarceration is a direct result of slavery.
2. “The Life and Death of Marsha P. Johnson” (2017): This gripping documentary follows Marsha P. Johnson’s life as she fought for LGBTQ rights during the Stonewall era in New York City in 1969.
1. The World’s Most Luxurious Prison – Norway Prison Documentary
Norwegian prisons are the most luxurious in the world. This documentary provides a look inside Norwegian jail, and explains how Norway has created one of the world’s most humThis documentary is a must-watch for movie aficionados and anyone interested in learning more about the world’s most humane prisons. Viewers will be taken on an insightful journey inside Norwegian jails, and learn how this progressive country has created some of the world’s most luxurious prison systems. Discover why Norway’s approach to incarceration stands out from other countries, as well as the incredible impact it has had on its prisoners.ane incarceration systems.
For those who want to delve even deeper into the world of prison and jail, these 12 documentaries offer a comprehensive look at what life is like behind bars. From a thorough exploration of American prisons to an inside view of solitary confinement in Brazil, these movies provide unique perspectives on some of the most challenging aspects of incarceration around the globe. Learn about the daily struggles faced by prisoners and their families, and gain insight into how different countries deal with crime and punishment. Whether you’re looking for a gripping drama or an educational documentary, these films are sure to satisfy any viewer’s appetite for knowledge. Explore the fascinating world of prison life today!
2. When Young Kids Do Hard Time – Documentaries about Jail
In this fully produced documentary film featuring the stories of Miles Folsom and Colt Lundy during their first year in adult prison, we take a look back at where it all began for the boys as they served their first year behind bars as young teens in a maximum-security prison housing 3,000 prisoners. The filmmakers from Calamari Productions spent 2010 walking inside Wabash Valley Correctional Facility to begin filming the stories of young kids who had been sentenced to adult prison. Miles and Colt were two of these kids that we met while filming and documented everything about them–their story, what crime they committed and how much time was given to them after being found guilty by law officials. During our travels through Indiana’s prisons with camera crews, we learned each kid who’d been sentenced as an adult got sent here–the Youth Incarcerated As Adults cellblock (YIA).
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