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Sing Sing
Divine G, imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn't commit, finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other incarcerated men in this story of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art.
2024 · Directed by Greg Kwedar · 107 min · Drama · Screenplay in the scene database · 17 frames
Tagline
Trust the process.
Plot
In 2005, Divine G is incarcerated at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, and he discovers a sense of purpose through participation in a small theater group made up of fellow inmates. These inmates are part of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program, which aims to use theater as a form of rehabilitation. Under the guidance of theater director Brent Buell, Divine G emerges as the star playwright and performer, highly respected for his emotional depth and acting talent. While pursuing his passion for theater, Divine G is also determined to prove his innocence and regain his freedom.
As the group prepares for their new production, Divine G takes part in recruiting new members, including a gruff and aggressive inmate named Divine Eye with a difficult personality. Initially, Divine Eye is dismissive of acting and performance, considering it a pointless and disingenuous pursuit. In contrast, Divine G views theater as a transformative and therapeutic process that helps individuals connect with their inner selves. The two men clash further when they disagree on the genre of their next play. Divine G advocates for another drama to challenge his acting abilities, while Divine Eye pushes for a lighthearted comedy, a choice supported by the majority of the inmates. Their rivalry intensifies when Divine Eye auditions for the only dramatic role in the comedy, frustrating Divine G, who sees it as hypocritical and is puzzled by this decision from Divine Eye.
Over the following weeks, the inmates engage in acting exercises led by Buell, designed to help them tap into their emotions. Divine G excels effortlessly at all the acting exercises, demonstrating vulnerability and inspiring his peers, while Divine Eye struggles, unable to connect with his emotions or the art of acting. However, after a heart-to-heart conversation where the two open up about their personal lives, Divine Eye begins to open up and take the program more seriously. His acting skills gradually improve, earning the respect of the group, including Divine G and Buell.
Plot summary from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA.
Crew
- Screenplay: Greg Kwedar, Clint Bentley
- Cinematography: Pat Scola
- Edited by: Parker Laramie
- Music: Bryce Dessner
- Production design: Ruta Kiskyte
- Produced by: Monique Walton, Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar
Cast
- Colman Domingo as John 'Divine G' Whitfield
- Clarence Maclin as Clarence 'Divine Eye' Maclin
- Sean San Jose as Mike Mike
- Paul Raci as Brent Buell
- David "Dap" Giraudy as David 'Dap' Giraudy
- Patrick "Preme" Griffin as Patrick 'Preme' Griffin
- Mosi Eagle as Mosi Eagle
- James "Big E" Williams as James 'Big E' Williams
- Sean Dino Johnson as Sean 'Dino' Johnson
- Brent Buell
Production
- Country: United States of America
- Language: English
- Studios: Black Bear Pictures, Edith Productions, Marfa Peach Company
- Budget: $2,000,000
- Box office: $3,401,789
- Themes: prison, based on novel or book, male friendship, based on true story, wrongful imprisonment, sing sing, african american, pathetic, inspirational, theatre
On this film
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