Festivals - FCAD 2024 : Greg Kwedar's Sing Sing Delivers a Gripping Portrayal of Artistic Redemption

By Mulder, Deauville, Centre International de Deauville, 07 september 2024

At the 2024 Deauville American Film Festival, Greg Kwedar’s Sing Sing made a lasting impact with its deeply moving narrative, exploring the power of art to bring about redemption, even within the harsh confines of a maximum-security prison. Inspired by the real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program at Sing Sing Prison, the film follows a group of incarcerated men as they discover freedom and hope through their participation in theater. The heartfelt and raw performances, particularly from Colman Domingo and several real-life participants from the RTA program, resonated strongly with the audience.

Domingo stars as Divine G, a key figure in the prison’s theater troupe who finds solace and transformation through creative expression. One of the film's most compelling elements is the casting of real RTA participants, such as Clarence "Divine Eye" Maclin, who portrays a version of himself. This decision lends Sing Sing an undeniable authenticity, as these actors bring their lived experiences of incarceration to the screen, adding emotional depth to their performances.

The film is structured around the rehearsal process for a play within the prison, where the inmates not only explore their creative talents but also redefine their lives beyond the walls that confine them. Through theater, the characters challenge notions of masculinity, embrace vulnerability, and discover resilience they never knew they had. The story emphasizes that art has the ability to foster personal growth and reflection, offering the men an opportunity to see themselves as more than just prisoners.

Visually, Sing Sing stands out for its use of 16mm film, which adds a textured, raw aesthetic to the scenes. The cinematography plays a significant role in enhancing the story, particularly through the use of natural light streaming through the prison’s small windows. This visual motif serves as a powerful symbol of the hope and freedom that lie just beyond the inmates' reach. The stark contrast between the bleak reality of prison life and the moments of beauty and creativity underscores the central theme of redemption through artistic expression.

The film was met with enthusiastic applause at Deauville, where the audience was clearly moved by its poignant exploration of the human condition and the potential for transformation, even in the most challenging of environments.

Following the screening, director Greg Kwedar and co-writer Clint Bentley participated in a Q&A session, providing valuable insight into the making of Sing Sing and the real-life inspiration behind the story. Kwedar explained that the film was born out of their experience visiting Sing Sing Prison and witnessing a performance by the RTA theater troupe. “We were struck by the incredible talent and sense of purpose that the program provided for these men,” Kwedar shared. He highlighted the film’s goal of humanizing the incarcerated individuals and showing them not merely as criminals, but as people with potential for growth and change.

One of the key topics discussed during the Q&A was the decision to cast real-life RTA participants. Bentley explained that this choice was essential for ensuring the authenticity of the film. “We wanted the performances to come from a place of truth,” he said. By casting actors who had experienced incarceration firsthand, Sing Sing captures an emotional reality that goes beyond scripted performances, making the story even more powerful.

Greg Kwedar and Clint Bentley also spoke about the challenges of shooting in a working prison. Greg Kwedar noted that the environment added intensity to the production but was necessary to capture the authenticity they sought. The decision to shoot on 16mm film was also addressed, with Bentley explaining that the medium gave the film a tactile quality that aligned with the raw, emotional tone of the story. The use of natural light throughout the film symbolized hope and the world outside, a visual representation of the theme of transformation.

The Q&A concluded with a discussion of the film’s broader message—highlighting the importance of art in rehabilitation and the idea that no one is beyond redemption. Kwedar emphasized that the film’s core is about second chances and the power of creative expression to change lives. “Art can save lives,” he said, leaving the audience with a powerful reflection on the potential for renewal in even the most unexpected places.

The audience’s response to Sing Sing at Deauville was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing how moved they were by the film’s honesty, emotional depth, and social relevance. The film’s unique blend of documentary-like realism and narrative storytelling made it one of the standout entries at FCAD 2024, ensuring that its message of resilience and redemption will resonate with viewers long after the festival.

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Synopsis:
Divine G, imprisoned in Sing Sing for a crime he didn't commit, finds purpose by performing in a theater troupe with other incarcerated men in this story of resilience, humanity and the transformative power of art.

Sing sing
Directed by Greg Kwedar
Produced by Monique Walton, Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar
Written by Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar
Story by Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar, Clarence Maclin, John Divine G Whitfield
Based on The Sing Sing Follies by John H. Richardson, Breakin' The Mummy's Code by Brent Buell
With Colman Domingo, Clarence Maclin, Sean San José, Paul Raci
Music: Bryce Dessner
Director of photography: Pat Scola
Editing: Parker Laramie
Production companies: Black Bear Pictures, Marfa Peach Company, Edith Productions
Distributed by A24 (USA)
Release date: July 12 (U.S.)
Running time: 105 minutes

Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville