Coming to PBS’s America ReFramed tomorrow, Tuesday, April 10:
BEYOND THE WALL
Directors:
Jenny Phillips and Bestor Cram
Premiere:
IFF Boston 2016
Select Festivals:
Woods Hole, Newburyport Doc, Sun Valley, Boston Latino, Prisoners’ Justice, Peace on Earth
About:
A look at the challenges faced by former prisoners after their release.
Phillips and Cram’s film ostensibly focuses on Louie Diaz, a former addict and prisoner who successfully re-entered society after incarceration and now helps others as they attempt to adjust to life outside. He’s an intriguing and charismatic figure, and one whose experiences uniquely positions him to make a difference in the lives of the five men who he counsels and to prevent their recidivism. While earnest and tackling a vital topic, the film would have benefitted from a tighter focus on Diaz and perhaps one or two others with an especially compelling story, like barber Billy, rather than introducing more and more subjects to diminishing interest and attention.
what (not) to doc 