The new film “Sing Sing” is receiving great reviews, with critics saying it’s not your typical prison movie and even mentioning the possibility of an Oscar nomination. The movie is centered around inmates at the infamous Sing Sing prison in New York who put on elaborate plays. But what sets this film apart is its unique approach to storytelling.
The Texas-based producer, Monique Walton, and director Greg Kwedar were interviewed by Texas Standard to shed light on the inspiration behind the film. Greg shared how he stumbled upon the story of a theater program at a prison while producing a documentary in a maximum-security facility in Kansas. The unexpected discovery of inmates performing a time-traveling musical comedy called “Breaking the Mummy’s Code” sparked his interest in bringing their story to the big screen.
Monique Walton, on the other hand, expressed her initial excitement about the project when she learned about the collaborative approach taken by the filmmakers. The film was developed over six years with input from the community it portrays, resulting in powerful and authentic storytelling. The movie blends stage elements, screen elements, and unscripted moments to create a unique viewing experience that challenges societal labels and norms.
One aspect of the filmmaking process that raised concerns was shooting on film, as it required careful planning to avoid running out of resources. However, the decision to shoot on film added a sense of rhythm and alchemy to the production, allowing the ensemble cast to explore and play within their roles. Despite the challenges of filming in a decommissioned prison, the cast and crew found moments of joy and connection that translated into the film’s narrative.
“Sing Sing” captures a range of emotions, from hope and warmth to tension and unpredictability, mirroring the complex realities of life behind bars. The filmmakers aimed to depict prison as a microcosm of society, where moments of despair coexist with profound connections and love. The equitable filmmaking model adopted by “Sing Sing” prioritizes pay parity and profit sharing among all members of the production team, promoting fairness and inclusivity in the industry.
Greg and Monique believe that this model of filmmaking is not only sustainable but scalable, urging other filmmakers to question traditional practices and explore new ways of creating art. By challenging existing systems and fostering a culture of collaboration and ownership, the film industry can pave the way for more diverse and impactful storytelling.
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