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Episode 2

Two-part Storyville documentary that tells the inspiring story of a group of men and women in the USA studying for college degrees while in prison for serious crimes.

A two-part Storyville documentary that tells the inspiring story of a group of men and women in the USA struggling to earn college degrees while in prison for serious crimes.

The Bard Prison Initiative is one of the most rigorous and effective prison education programmes in the United States. Shot over four years in maximum and medium security prisons in New York State, the films tackles a pressing issue - the failure to provide meaningful rehabilitation for over two million Americans living behind bars.

Through the stories of the students and their families, we discover many dropped out of high school before being incarcerated and never imagined they would go to college. During four years of study, however, they become accomplished scholars, beat the Harvard debating team, reckon with their pasts and discover how truly transformative education can be.

The debate team faces West Point and Harvard. Seniors complete their 100-paged thesis projects. Giovannie is sent to the Special Housing Unit and might not finish his project. Students at Taconic and Eastern receive their degrees at graduation.

49 minutes

Last on

Wed 11 May 2022 00:45

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Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:33

    Cory Henry

    I Want To Be Ready

Credit

Role Contributor
Director Lynn Novick

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