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Week 1: The View from Inside

Schedule for Mon. Aug. 19

Paul M.

Nostalgia

Watching a movie late at night, the filmmaker is reminded of a childhood memory. He decides to make a phone call.

David G.

Freedom

The filmmaker reflects on time lost and the consequences of one mistake many years ago.

Aaron W.

Where Did It Go?

There are many twists and turns on the highway of life, but time waits for no man. “Don’t miss your exit.”

Lamar L.

My Kids

The filmmaker encourages his children to learn from his mistakes and strive to be a leader not a follower.

Quasheam R.

Lymph Notes

The filmmaker chronicles his journey through illness and incarceration.

Freedom / Time

Eleven incarcerated artists from Stateville Correctional Center were asked to draw 100 frames of animation using tracing paper and pencil based on their thoughts on freedom and time. These vignettes are the results of their explorations. The presentation of this film by 96 Acres in Chicago helped inspire Hidden Lives Illuminated.

Watch the film here.

The Long Term

The Long Term is a hand-drawn animation developed by artists serving long term sentences. The video uses personal narrative and research to describe the scale and impact of long term sentencing policies. The work tells stories about the fear of dying inside, feeling of being programmed by prison and the impact on family life, from the perspective of 12 artists serving life or long term sentences.

This project is part of a larger body of thematic work by artists, writers and members of the Prison + Neighborhood Arts Project around long-term sentencing policies and the other long terms they produce: long-term struggles for freedom, long-term loss in communities, and long-term relationships behind the prison wall.

Watch the film here.

7:00 – 9:45 pm: Write the Filmmakers

Share your thoughts with the filmmakers! Postcards and pens will be available every night during Hidden Lives Illuminated. Write your note to the artists and drop it in the mailbox provided. We’ll take care of delivering your message.

7:00 – 9:45 pm: Pennsylvania Prison Society

Meet representatives from the Pennsylvania Prison Society and participate in a hands-on activity.

Since 1787, the Pennsylvania Prison Society has worked to ensure humane prison and jail conditions and advocate for sensible criminal justice policies. The Society is the oldest organization in the country dedicated to sensible and humane criminal justice, and was the founder of Eastern State Penitentiary. Today the Society advocates for systemic policy change, responds to the concerns of prisoners and their families, provides subsidized bus service for Philadelphia families visiting loved ones incarcerated in different parts of the state, and provides assistance to individuals returning home from incarceration. To learn more about the Pennsylvania Prison Society, visit www.PrisonSociety.org.

These events (as with all events during Hidden Lives Illuminated) are free and open to the public. No reservations required. Appropriate for all ages.