Colman Domingo’s groundbreaking film Sing Sing is making history as the first movie to premiere in theaters and prisons simultaneously. This unique release aims to bring the inspiring story of resilience and transformation to a wider audience, including nearly one million incarcerated individuals across the U.S.
A Historic Dual Release in Theaters and Prisons
On January 17, Sing Sing will expand its reach, returning to over 500 theaters and debuting in prisons across 45 states. Facilities in California, New York, Texas, and beyond will screen the film, which centers on a group of men in a prison theater program.
The initiative is a collaboration between A24, Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA), and Edovo. RTA is a nonprofit that inspired the film’s story, while Edovo provides educational content to prisons using tablets. Together, they aim to spark hope through storytelling.
Brian Hill, Edovo’s CEO, shared, “Storytelling has an incredible way of sparking hope and building connections, even in the toughest circumstances. With Sing Sing, we’re giving incarcerated individuals a chance to see themselves in a story of resilience and transformation.”
A Cast Rooted in Real Experiences
The cast of Sing Sing is another standout feature. While Colman Domingo and Paul Raci are well-known actors, the film also stars formerly incarcerated individuals. Many of them, like Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin and Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez, are alumni of the RTA program.
Velazquez, who was wrongfully convicted, reflected on his journey: “Education and the arts gave me hope during my incarceration. By bringing Sing Sing to prisons, we can inspire transformation in ways we can’t even imagine.”
Domingo, playing the role of Divine G, a wrongfully convicted man leading a prison theater program, delivers a performance that has positioned him as an Oscar frontrunner.
A Story That Inspires Hope and Change
Originally released last summer, Sing Sing earned $2.9 million at the box office and received critical acclaim. Domingo’s portrayal earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination and three Independent Spirit Award nominations, including Best Feature.
The film’s impact goes beyond awards. It offers a glimpse into the power of redemption and the arts within the prison system. Domingo’s character embodies resilience, while the story highlights the transformative impact of creativity and community.
This innovative release of Sing Sing not only brings a powerful story to a unique audience but also paves the way for future collaborations between the arts and prison programs.
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