This Movie Is A Far Cry From Hollywood — And That's Part Of What Makes It Great

What does it take to fight for your freedom, even when it looks like it’ll never come?

That’s the question “Sing Sing” answers with a key element: levity.

Many projects based on both the real and fictionalized lives of those in prison, especially Black and brown men, focus on darkness, with room for maybe a slither of light. That would leave one to assume that these stories can only be told when weighed down with sobering hardships. And while you can’t dismiss that, solely depicting those legitimate struggles results in a flat, inhumane representation. This is doubly damning for individuals whom society has already metaphorically imprisoned before they even have a criminal record.

“Sing Sing” isn’t like that. The A24 film implores you to watch these men bring light through play, humor and art. It commands that viewers look them in the eyes as these formerly incarcerated men introduce themselves. It’s a reminder that the men of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in upstate New York are human and deserve to be seen and treated as such.

The film, which was named Festival Favorite at this year’s SXSW, highlights the formerly incarcerated men who used theater and performing arts to heal and create a new reality for themselves while at Sing Sing. Directed by Greg Kwedar, “Sing Sing” is a tender depiction of a population that often goes forgotten and dehumanized.

In the film, Colman Domingo portrays John “Divine G” Whitfield, a man who was wrongfully convicted of a crime and goes on to help lead RTA while fighting for his freedom. Though Domingo gives a stellar, Oscar-worthy performance, the men formerly of Sing Sing’s RTA often steal the spotlight. That includes Jon-Adrian Velazquez, Sean “Dino” Johnson, David “Dap” Giraudy and Patrick “Preme” Griffin, who all play themselves.

Colman Domingo and Clarence Maclin star in A24's "Sing Sing."

Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin stars opposite Domingo. Like the other aforementioned RTA members, Maclin stars as himself. This, however, is a hardened version of Maclin, skeptical of the program and trapped in the cycles of toxic masculinity as a defense mechanism. He realizes he’s a natural, however, when his “Hamlet” monologue during RTA’s comedic play reminds him that the crown he wears doesn’t have to feel so heavy.

“I knew the power of art,” Maclin said. “Anytime I’m on that stage, in front of the camera, or stepping into somebody else’s life and explaining this story to people, and with a positive message, that’s liberation for me, that’s freedom for me.”

Maclin, a producer on the film, spent 15 years at Sing Sing. He did a series of plays under the RTA program while incarcerated. He said when he first stepped on the stage as a part of the program, the acting bug bit him and his dreams of being an actor took off.

“For me, it’s liberating to see the reception of it, to see people receive us this well, receive this message this well,” he said. “It’s really liberating for me to get out and save and touch some people.”

Though the film does have a few heavy moments that could move the most stoic to tears, the joyous scenes take priority. Grown men are seen dancing, laughing, playing pretend and showing each other affection as a means to fight for their liberation — and humanity.

“It allowed us to be honest about the process that we learned and the process that helped us heal,” Johnson said. “Sometimes when you’re broken, it’s like you don’t feel part of the human race. You can’t act, you can’t be nice, you don’t feel like saying ‘good morning’ because you’re so busy hurting. And you have to just learn how to soothe, enjoy life.”

Colman Domingo stars in A24's "Sing Sing."

Velazquez echoed Johnson’s sentiments.

“It’s the transition from being hurt to being healed, and once you experience that, you want to share that with the world,” he said. “We’ve chosen to use this platform to help liberate others. Because there’s people in society that are locked and trapped in their minds and don’t realize that it’s just as bad as a physical incarceration.”

Though it stars Domingo, Paul Raci and Sean San José, its making was far from the Hollywood treatment. In the 18 days it took to film, everyone on set did their hair and makeup each day. The interior shots were mainly filmed at a now-closed facility where most of the cast had spent some time locked up. Kwedar said though that was triggering for many, the men channeled their emotions into the message they wanted to spread in the film. He said directing “Sing Sing” was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“This is a movie where a majority of the cast has direct lived experience. They’re alumni of this program and they were able to work within this story and bring their full selves to it with all its complexity and all of its beauty. And to bear witness to that, to be in the room for that, was unforgettable,” Kwedar said.

Another not-very-Hollywood experience about this film is that each actor has ownership over the film. (“They have literal ownership over their own story,” the director said.) From the end credits emboldening each name involved in making the film to language used in the press notes, “Sing Sing” sends an intentional message that the industry as a whole could learn from.

Actors Clarence Maclin (left) and Colman Domingo attend the Film Independent Special Screening of "Sing Sing" at Harmony Gold on July 10 in Los Angeles, California.

And it’s clear that “Sing Sing” has impacted everyone involved in its creation. It’s the kickstart to Maclin’s career in film. “This moment feeds my foundation… it fortifies that this is what I’m supposed to be doing,” he said. Domingo, who filmed this project after “The Color Purple” and “Rustin,” called it his best work to date.

“Working on this film felt like we all had to come into a place to liberate ourselves in a very joyous way to create this art that is about brotherhood, about looking after largely Black and brown bodies, and also mental health,” the Oscar nominee said. “That’s what these brothers are doing on the inside with a program like RTA, which the film depicts I think beautifully, saying, Here’s a tool, that if you’re responsible, you show up for it, it can work. You gotta let it work on you.”

For all of the former and current members of RTA, it’s well-deserved recognition. But most of all, it’s a path to greater hope. Domingo also hopes that audiences further destroy the negative stereotypes that imprison men of color.

“That is an act of revolution, to see Black and brown men doing that together and showing how playful we can be, how affectionate we can be,” Domingo said. “What we need out into the world to show that we have love, we have humanity, we have brotherhood and friendship and we look after each other. We’re not volatile to each other and hypermasculine — we need to take a sledgehammer to all of that.”

“Sing Sing” is now playing in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles, and will release nationwide on Aug. 2.