I thought this documentary was mesmerizing..the interviews were so honest and the subject matter was so interesting. Matthew Evans did a wonderful job with the visuals, interviews, and the overall production was excellent. This documentary should be shown in every school in the country. The Poetic Justice Project is so very worthwhile..the whole thing was amazing to watch - from start to finish. Congratulations to the young film maker, Matthew Evans, for an outstanding job and to Deborah Tobola for creating such a life saving program for former inmates. They face such a huge challenge trying to integrate back into society and this project is proving that it is possible to rehabilitate when given the opportunity.
4 Reviews
Intriguing, powerful and eye-opening view of former inmates dedicated to changing their lives through the arts.
cjk-1527 January 2011
I was really impressed with this documentary! Matthew J. Evans did an outstanding job in telling the story of the Poetic Justice Project and interviewing former inmates who want to make a change in their lives. This film shows how powerful the arts can be in helping individuals find their inner creativity and learn a new way of living. The film also addresses difficulties found in the prison system in California, with very little money going into rehabilitation programs. Deborah Tobola, founder of the Poetic Justice Project had a dream that she is now realizing - to help former inmates re-enter society more effectively, and to teach audiences that anyone can change, if they really make an effort. Matthew J. Evans accomplished a great deal for such a young man - excellent work
Film About Ex-Inmate Play Makes the Case for Prison Arts Programs
g-saintamand1 February 2011
This is a very well done, brief documentary about the play "Off the Hook," made by a remarkable young filmmaker. The film is true to the play, capturing the enthusiasm and commitment of the actors, all of who are former inmates on the road to recovery through involvement in performing arts. The film makes a strong case for re-introducing education including arts back into the California prison system, as well as re-entry programs. The film also demonstrates the importance for participants of working as a team in a shared cause, as a means of overcoming racial divides. Many of the actors express the hope of reaching youth who are at risk of incarceration, as a means of partially repaying their debt to society, and reconnecting with the community.
Excellent Work
darrengdeichen7 February 2011
I was pleased to watch this short film, one that speaks volumes about forgiviness, and redemption. These people have walked away from some hard places to shine a ray of hope. One that so many others seem to over look. Our society seems to think getting tough on crime will cure. But putting people in the dark only serves to turns faces and souls dark with rage, a rage that spills out engendered upon release. But the Poetic Justice Project sets an example of what can happen when the same people are instead shown kindness. That small sip of life blossomed into a wonderful play, and has echoed to plant seeds in many others in need of such a message. Imagine what good could be cultivated if more were done to reach out to these men and woman, that sit day after day alone, with out even the gift of touch, resentful, basically abused children grown up. Imagine if hope such as The Poetic Justice project were available to everyone of these disconnected individuals. That a message of you are worth while were fed to them, instead of the you will be back stream of thought so pervasive in the prison culture. I am grateful as a former inmate, ( AKA Convict) to see this sort of work being done. I say it is about time. Everyone is worth while in some way, you only need look at this film to see the truth in that. Darren Glenn Deichen
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