Greg Kwedar is the director of the 2023 American prison drama Sing Sing. He co-wrote the screenplay and co-produced it with Clint Bentley.
Based on the actual rehabilitation through the arts programme at Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison, the movie focuses on a group of incarcerated guys who work with the programme to create theatrical stage productions.
Alongside several real-life ex-offenders who were also graduates of the programme when they were incarcerated, such as Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin and Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez, it features professional actors Colman Domingo and Paul Raci.
This moving true story of resiliency, humanity, and the transformative power of art features an unforgettable ensemble cast of formerly incarcerated actors. Divine G. (Colman Domingo), imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he did not commit, finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other incarcerated men, including a cautious newcomer (Clarence Maclin).
WHERE WAS SING SING PREMIERED
At the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, Sing Sing made its debut in the Special Presentations section.
On July 12, 2024, A24 published it in the United States. Critics gave it favourable reviews, and the American Film Institute and the National Board of Review ranked it among the top 10 films of 2024.
Sing Sing Nomination
Among its many honours, Sing Sing had three nominations for Best Feature at the 40th Independent Spirit Awards and five nominations for Best Picture at the 30th Critics’ Choice Awards.
Sing Sing Plot
Participating in a tiny theatre group composed of other prisoners gives Divine G, who is imprisoned at Sing Sing Correctional Facility for a crime he did not commit, a feeling of purpose.
They collaborate to try to put on an original show called Breakin’ the Mummy’s Code.
Aaron Korsh is quite open to returning to the original series with a follow-up reunion film, even though he is Read more
The Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) programme, which uses theatre as a means of rehabilitation, includes these prisoners.
Divine G, who is well-known for his acting prowess and emotional depth, becomes the leading playwright and actor under the direction of theatre director Brent Buell.
Divine G is committed to proving his innocence and regaining his freedom while following his love of theatre.
Divine G participates in the recruitment of new members for the group as they get ready for their upcoming show, including Divine Eye, a tough and combative prisoner with a challenging personality.
At first glance, Divine Eye rejects acting and performance as a futile and deceptive endeavour. Divine G, on the other hand, sees theatre as a healing and transformational activity that facilitates people’s inner connection. When the two men cannot agree on the genre of their next play, their conflict intensifies.
The majority of the prisoners accept Divine Eye’s suggestion of a light-hearted comedy, although Divine G favours another drama to test his acting prowess.
When Divine Eye auditions for the comedy’s sole dramatic role, their competition heats up, aggravating Divine G, who finds Divine Eye’s decision puzzling and hypocritical.
Where Was Sing Sing Filmed?
During 19 days of filming in July 2022, Sing Sing was shot in several closed correctional facilities, which are said to be difficult places to be logistically and for actors who have served time in prison to return to, even with a counsellor accompanying them.
Bentley remarked, “It is all concrete, and there is just no ventilation,” but added, “The alumni gave so much joy while they were filming together that it far outweighed any of the hardships of filming there. Entering the area they had designed was like entering The Wizard of Oz’s colourful world.
The three main filming locations were divided between Beacon High School in Upstate New York, where the RTA theatre productions were shot, and the defunct Downstate Correctional Facility and the neighbouring Hudson Sports Complex, which served as stand-ins for various exteriors and interiors of the actual Sing Sing prison.
SING SING CAST
| Directed by | Greg Kwedar |
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| Screenplay by |
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| Story by |
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| Produced by |
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| Cinematography | Pat Scola |
| Edited by | Parker Laramie |
| Music by | Bryce Dessner |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | A24 |
Release dates |
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Running time | 105 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Box office | $3.1 million |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | “Lysander” | 1:27 |
| 2. | “Sing Sing” | 2:04 |
| 3. | “Auditions” | 4:43 |
| 4. | “Portal to Portal” | 4:16 |
| 5. | “Blades” | 3:06 |
| 6. | “Perfect Place” | 2:14 |
| 7. | “Escape” | 2:53 |
| 8. | “Song & Dance” | 2:31 |
| 9. | “Miguelito” | 1:16 |
| 10. | “Slow Time” | 2:24 |
| 11. | “Backstage” | 5:14 |
| 12. | “The Void” | 3:31 |
| 13. | “Circles” | 0:35 |
| 14. | “Come Home” | 2:11 |
| 15. | “Homeward” | 1:01 |
| 16. | “Seven Years of Curtain Calls” | 2:05 |
| 17. | “The Gate” | 1:25 |
| Total length: | 40:56 | |
Sing Sing Release Date
A24 purchased the film when it debuted in the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival’s Special Presentations programme.
On July 12, 2024, it made its restricted release in the US. On August 2, it became available to the whole public.
On January 17, 2025, it is anticipated to be re-released in theatres.
Aaron Korsh is quite open to returning to the original series with a follow-up reunion film, even though he is Read more