Although no one in the film hatches an elaborate plan to escape from prison walls, “Sing Sing” is, in its own way, about an escape.
Director Greg Kwedar’s film, starring Oscar nominee Colman Domingo and which premiered at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, is a potential awards season favourite and hits theatres nationwide on Friday, August 16.
A maximum security prison that has been considered one of the most dangerous correctional facilities in the world for generations serves as the setting for a film that gently reveals the arts as a path to healing and redemption. “Sing Sing” is based on the real-life experiences of an inmate theater group called Rehabilitation Through the Arts, which esquire Article “The Sing Sing Follies” by John H. Richardson and RTA’s original production of Cracking the Mummy’s Code by Brent Buell.
The mastermind behind the escape attempt at the center of “Sing Sing” is no evil genius. John “Divine G” Whitfield is a man brave enough to fully embrace his artistic inclinations in an environment where the slightest sign of vulnerability could threaten one’s survival. Life choices and a criminal justice system that often disadvantages black and brown citizens have forced him into a long sentence in Sing Sing. He manages to thrive by devoting himself to his love of reading, writing, and performing. Despite the confines of his cell and the standard prison routines that negate his humanity at every turn, Divine G has found the freedom to be his authentic self, which he felt discouraged from by society before his incarceration. He motivates other members of the RTA to do the same—even taking an unlikely protégé under his wing.
Led by Domingo in the role of Divine G, “Sing Sing” also stars Oscar nominee Paul Raci and several formerly incarcerated RTA graduates, including Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin and Sean San José.
Domingo finally gets his well-deserved moment as a leading man, showing the brilliance that was once limited to “Wait a minute, who is that guy?” with his portrayal of Divine G.
Domingo’s ability to get audiences to engage with supporting roles – or even seemingly minor ones – should be required reading for aspiring actors. Sing Sing gives him the stage presence to showcase his natural magnetism and keen ability to deliver an authentic and emotionally intelligent performance.
But what was equally fascinating was how the RTA graduates rose to the challenge of competing against acclaimed actors. Maclin, as an Oscar nominee, may even put himself in a position to share the refined flair of his co-stars if the 2024 awards season pans out as many predict. He’s using every single acting skill he developed at RTA and earning every ounce of recognition that “Sing Sing” is sure to give him.
By giving space to real members of the RTA, Sing Sing simultaneously advocates for “citizen cinema” and illustrates the power of a second chance for those who have been stigmatized by previous convictions.
While the characters’ backstories could have used more flesh and carnality – and clearer context – the emptiness of their past lives did not detract from the film’s power to portray their current reality.
The film shows that the arts are not only healing and powerful, but can also be an opportunity for freedom and redemption through shared expressions of humanity. This is evident both in the lives that inspired Sing Sing and in the real-life RTA members who played a crucial role in transforming their experiences into the art seen on screen.
“Sing Sing” will be released in cinemas nationwide on Friday, August 16. The film is rated 18+ and has a running time of 105 minutes.
