Interview – Greg Kwedar discusses Sing Sing

When someone mentions the infamous Sing Sing prison in New York, the image you conjure up in your mind might be one of, brutal criminals incarcerated in orange. The film Sing Sing paints a very different picture one of hope and self-discovery. So you can imagine that it was an absolute delight to speak to Greg Kwedar, the director of Sing Sing, just hours before the European Premier at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Greg sat down with me to discuss his film, which  is not what you think it’s going to be.  The film highlights the use of Performing Arts to help rehabilitate inmates and to provide them with opportunities.

SUPPORT US!!! WE ARE A SMALL, INDEPENDENT FILM WEBSITE WITH NO BIG BACKERS, SO IF YOU LOVE OUR SITE AND OUR WRITERS, PLEASE CONSIDER HELPING US TO KEEP FILM JOURNALISM ALIVE!

My interview humbled me, and no more so about how Greg wanted to show the power and effect of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts Program. Seeing that power through the cast as a number of the cast members are playing themselves and were a part of the program.

Synopsis | Divine G (Colman Domingo), imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn’t commit, finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other incarcerated men, including a wary newcomer (Clarence Maclin), in this stirring true story of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art, starring an unforgettable ensemble cast of formerly incarcerated actors.

The film also stars Colman Domingo, Clarence Maclin, Paul Raci, and Sean San Jose.

Please note this interview is audio only.

Sing Sing is in Cinemas from 30th August | Read our Review

About the Author

Robert Ewing

Author

Rob is a freelance film critic and writer who specialises in Anime and Asian cinema. I have adored film since a young age, having watched films that were far too old for me, such as RoboCop, Die Hard, and Hot Tub Time Machine, to discovering the heights of foreign cinema through films like Headhunters and Battle Royale. Growing up with such a diverse catalogue of films that I cherished sparked my desire to discuss them. This passion eventually led me to become a reviewer. Dissecting films, speaking to filmmakers I admire, and showcasing the best of Asian and anime cinema is how I live my best and truest life.

Visit Website View All Posts