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Since I Been Down

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In 1993, Washington State voters passed the three-strikes law and sent children considered irredeemable super-predators to prison for life without parole. Influenced by the national drug war frenzy, escalating crime, and gang activity, during the fear-based political policies of the 1980's and '90's, Tacoma, Washington sacrificed their most vulnerable children. The city's lack of both social services and targeted investments in early education; the increasing inequality in housing and employment, and the culture of punishment (including no-parole, three-strikes, hard time for armed crime, and other excessive sentencing laws), stained the Tacoma landscape and destined these children to live their lives out behind bars. Thrown into prison not for education or rehabilitation but for removal and punishment (out of sight, out of mind), these children, who are now adults, could not be silenced. Together they built a prisoners' community of healing and restorative justice that extends beyond prison walls. A dramatic story of how gangs, fear, and power arrested the development of one American community--and how in their rush to discard the poorest while targeting brown and black youth for a false sense of safety, security and prosperity, an entire generation disappeared. SINCE I BEEN DOWN spotlights prisoner Kimonti Carter and follows his efforts, as well as a wide group of prisoners, as they break free from their fate and create a model of education that is transforming their lives, their communities, our prisons, and our own humanity.
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Since I Been Down

Critics Reviews

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Noel Murray Los Angeles Times The real point of “Since I Been Down” — and what makes the movie so powerful — are the scenes that show these still-incarcerated men and women today. May 27, 2022 Full Review Lisa Kennedy New York Times The documentary’s greatest strength is as a listening tour, with Carter as its chief guide. May 24, 2022 Full Review Jennifer Merin AWFJ.org See the film. May 21, 2022 Full Review Stephanie Archer Film Inquiry In a nation crying for change, Since I Been Down is not only timely but a vital piece to an ever-growing picture that needs to be seen. May 21, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews
Since I Been Down

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Synopsis In 1993, Washington State voters passed the three-strikes law and sent children considered irredeemable super-predators to prison for life without parole. Influenced by the national drug war frenzy, escalating crime, and gang activity, during the fear-based political policies of the 1980's and '90's, Tacoma, Washington sacrificed their most vulnerable children. The city's lack of both social services and targeted investments in early education; the increasing inequality in housing and employment, and the culture of punishment (including no-parole, three-strikes, hard time for armed crime, and other excessive sentencing laws), stained the Tacoma landscape and destined these children to live their lives out behind bars. Thrown into prison not for education or rehabilitation but for removal and punishment (out of sight, out of mind), these children, who are now adults, could not be silenced. Together they built a prisoners' community of healing and restorative justice that extends beyond prison walls. A dramatic story of how gangs, fear, and power arrested the development of one American community--and how in their rush to discard the poorest while targeting brown and black youth for a false sense of safety, security and prosperity, an entire generation disappeared. SINCE I BEEN DOWN spotlights prisoner Kimonti Carter and follows his efforts, as well as a wide group of prisoners, as they break free from their fate and create a model of education that is transforming their lives, their communities, our prisons, and our own humanity.
Director
Gilda Sheppard
Producer
June Nho Ivers, Saman Maydani, Bonnie Benjamin-Phariss
Screenwriter
Gilda Sheppard
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
May 24, 2022
Runtime
1h 45m
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