Watch The Prison Within

The Prison Within is a documentary film released in 2020 that explores the concept of restorative justice and how it can be implemented in the criminal justice system. The film follows the journey of three individuals who have been directly impacted by the system - Sujatha Baliga, a former prosecutor turned restorative justice practitioner, Nate Collins, a formerly incarcerated man, and Hill Harper, an actor and activist who is passionate about criminal justice reform.

The film is directed by Katherin Hervey and it takes a deep dive into the emotional and psychological impact of crime on both the victim and the offender. Throughout the film, Baliga, Collins, and Harper share their personal stories and experiences with the criminal justice system, shedding light on the harms caused by traditional punitive approaches.

The documentary explores the negative effects of an adversarial criminal justice system, including the high rates of recidivism, the over-reliance on punishment, and the harm caused to victims by the lack of support and resources available to them. The film highlights how the traditional criminal justice system fails to address the underlying causes of crime and instead perpetuates cycles of violence and trauma.

The Prison Within argues that true justice can only be achieved when the harm caused by a criminal act is addressed through a restorative process that promotes healing and reconciliation between the victim and the offender. The film showcases how organizations and individuals across the country are implementing restorative justice practices and seeing positive results.

The documentary also features interviews with experts in the field of restorative justice, such as Howard Zehr, who is considered the founder of the modern restorative justice movement, and Fania Davis, a leading voice in the field. Through their insights and perspectives, the film provides a comprehensive view of the restorative justice movement and its potential to transform the criminal justice system.

The Prison Within is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that challenges viewers to reconsider their notions of justice and punishment. Through the personal stories of Baliga, Collins, and Harper, the film illustrates the toll that the criminal justice system takes on individuals and communities. The documentary encourages viewers to think beyond punishment and to consider alternative approaches to addressing crime and harm.

Overall, The Prison Within is an engaging and impactful documentary that sheds light on a vital issue in American society. The film challenges viewers to confront the failures of the criminal justice system and to embrace new approaches to achieving justice and healing. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in criminal justice reform, restorative justice, and social justice issues.

The Prison Within is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.