Watch Troop 1500

Troop 1500 is a 2005 documentary created by Ellen Spiro that follows the lives of girls from Austin, Texas who make up Girl Scout Troop 1500. This is no ordinary troop. These girls all have one thing in common: they each have mothers who are currently or have previously been incarcerated. Throughout the film, viewers are introduced to four of the girls - Darlene Grant, Ida, Kenya, and Melissa - and their mothers who are serving time in the Hilltop Unit of the Gatesville Correctional Facility. The documentary showcases the struggles that these girls face on a daily basis as a result of their mothers' incarceration. They must deal with the emotional stress of not having their mothers present, while also feeling a sense of shame and guilt due to their mothers' actions.

Girl Scout Troop 1500 provides the girls with a support system that they may not have otherwise had. The troop is made up of volunteers who visit the girls' mothers in prison, help the girls write letters, and provide emotional support. The girls are also given the opportunity to visit their mothers at the Hilltop Unit four times a year. These visits are crucial for the girls, as they allow them to reconnect with their mothers and deepen their relationships.

Viewers are introduced to the various members of Troop 1500, including troop leader Julia Cuba, who is the driving force behind the creation and success of the troop. Cuba is a woman with a heartfelt commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of the girls and their mothers. Throughout the film, she is instrumental in organizing events and outings for the girls, such as camping trips and visits to museums. These activities provide the girls with a sense of normalcy and allow them to experience things that they may not have had the chance to otherwise.

The documentary highlights the harsh realities of the criminal justice system in the United States and how it affects families, especially children. The mothers of these girls are serving time for a variety of offenses, ranging from drug-related crimes to murder. The film doesn't condemn or excuse the actions of the mothers but rather focuses on the impact that their incarceration has on their daughters.

The girls are interviewed throughout the film, and their stories are heart-wrenching. Darlene's mother has been incarcerated for the majority of her life, and Darlene has never been able to have a proper relationship with her. Ida's mother has been incarcerated twice, and Ida is afraid that she will never be able to break out of the cycle of poverty and incarceration that has plagued her family. Kenya's mother is serving a life sentence for murder, and Kenya struggles with the stigma that comes with having a mother in prison. Melissa's mother has been incarcerated since Melissa was two, and she is overcome with guilt for not being able to help her mother.

Troop 1500 is a moving documentary that sheds light on the impact that incarceration has on families, especially children. Through the stories of these girls, viewers are able to see the resilience and strength that can be found even in the most challenging of circumstances. The film is a testament to the power of community and the importance of programs like Girl Scouts that provide support and guidance to those who need it most.

Troop 1500 is a 2005 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 6 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.