NCJ Number
77141
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This documentary on Chicano inmates at California's Soledad prison explores their struggle for survival under oppressive prison conditions and follows two parolees who are determined to become a positive force in their community.
Abstract
In Part one of the film, the inmates are shown meeting in groups, discussing the need to explore their own culture, singing songs in Spanish, attending group therapy sessions and classes, working, and exercising. Voices of the inmates discussing such problems as low prison wages, outdated equipment, and the psychological effects of confinement on prisoners are interspersed with scenes from the prison. Additional interviews discuss the feelings of an inmate who works as an artist in a print shop and of the guards and the prison superintendent about the roles of guards and the purpose of a prison. In Part two of the film, two Chicano parolees who have returned to the community explore their plans for helping the people including setting up a communications center for a Spanish-speaking audience and some English subtitles are given. Some street language is included.