“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): I received a sample of the product and compensation in exchange for this review and post.
Documentaries are one of my favorite genres of movies. The stories are so riveting because they are real. An example of such a riveting story is told in The Restoration Series: Jonathan’s Walk, a 5-part documentary film produced by Prison Fellowship. This documentary is about what happens to a man who has been in prison for fifteen years. Here is a preview clip:
More about the series:
For years, Jonathan has been in prison. As a result, he has missed milestone moments with his family. He wasn’t there for his daughter’s first day of school or a thousand little experiences with his wife and as a father, he is devastated to be separated from those he loves most.
Jonathan has been looking forward to his release from prison for over a decade. So many life events have been missed and he is now ready to be with his wife and kids again. Of course, this transition isn’t going to be easy. The odds are against him: with over half of prisoners returning to prison within two years, Jonathan is aware of the challenge set before him.
Still, he is determined to take the skills he has learned into the world outside of incarceration and stay there, helping build the community that he is part of for years to come.
Prison Fellowship presents The Restoration Series: Jonathan’s Walk, a 5-part documentary film series following one man as he re-enters his community after 15 years in prison. It demonstrates in imagery, powerful storytelling and social interaction what it means to be human and the shared need of all people to see communities restored.
Though America is home to only 4% of the world’s population, we house more than 20% of its prisoners. Recidivism–the tendency of a criminal to reoffend—is out of control. The Restoration Series tells the story of men and women who have experienced The Academy, a revolutionary in-prison program that is combatting incarceration and recidivism head on.
Just watching this short clip makes me want to root for Jonathan and others who may be in his same position. Crime and incarceration are complicated issues that have continued to plague our country. Recidivism is an important topic when thinking about prison reform. It is inspiring to see that a program like The Academy can bring hope and make such a difference in the lives of prisoners and their families.
Go here to watch more of this riveting series!