Documentary follows the life of former Albuquerque gang leader

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Can you forgive a convicted murderer? One documentary about a former Albuquerque gang lord asks that very question. After Orange is a feature documentary following the life of former Los Padillas Gang leader Jeffrey Padilla.

He was released from prison in 2017 and his journey after being locked up was documented for seven years. The film sheds light on what it is like for ex-cons to return to society. “Tonight really is about awareness of a story that started in this community, that is not just relevant to Albuquerque, but also many many places in the United States and worldwide. We have an epidemic, we have a problem of not serving and supporting people when they come out of prison,” said Executive Producer & Director Jennifer Ducker.

Jeffrey Padilla and his father were at the screening. They spoke about the importance of getting support after prison. “In the last seven years, I’ve ran into… I had to start fresh, people didn’t know me. I’ve been gone so long that nobody remembered me. I’m sure they’ve heard of me but I had to build relationships. To be able to have this at the Hispanic Cultural Center, I believe that is symbolism to greatness,” said Jeffrey Padilla.

Initially, the documentary wasn’t met with much support. In 2017, KRQE interviewed residents who were afraid to speak out against the documentary because they believed Padilla was a dangerous man.

The film has already won three awards and will be premiering publicly soon.

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