The average sized solitary confinement cell measures 8x10.
Meet Johnny Perez, a successful working professional, father, mentor, poet, community organizer, advocate, activist, photographer, filmmaker, formerly incarcerated human being. Perez spent 13 years in prison, three of those years in solitary confinement.
Since his release, Perez has dedicated his life to ending the practice of solitary confinement nationwide. He was instrumental in helping to pass the recent HALT Solitary bill in NY State.
Perez’s story reminds us that permitting torture inside U.S. prisons does not align with the values of this country.
“We can and must do better.” - Johnny Perez
"One day you will tell your story of how you’ve overcome what you are going through now and it will become part of someone else’s survival guide.”
— Johnny Perez
About the Filmmakers
DORIE HAGLER
The truth is I didn’t want to make this film. As a social justice documentarian, I have no shortage of unfunded projects and truly didn’t want another . But Resa asked me to meet Johnny, and his compelling story about crime, prison and poverty coupled with his almost incongruent positive spirit, inspired me to make this film.
My interest in making photos/ films is that the work will inspire, spark dialogue, and build bridges between people and cultures. I’m certain this film, when completed, will inspire you, and leave you more hopeful about our human capacity to learn, grow, change and forgive.
RESA MATTHEWS
As a television documentary producer, I have covered issues in and around the prison system for many years. I met Johnny Perez at a summit on Criminal Justice in 2014. I was immediately struck by Perez’ honesty and integrity, and compelled by his story.
My goal in telling Perez’ story is to raise awareness of the plight of incarcerated individuals, and in particular, those who have spent time and survived in solitary confinement. Perez' story is one of adversity, resignation, resilience and, hope for the creation of a more just and humane system.
Contact us
EMAIL US
(575) 770-7157