ROAD TO RETURN
Upon release from prison, over half of those released will return within three years.
Panel discussion and screening of the award winning documentary
Join us for a discussion with documentary film maker Leslie Neale (Road To Return, Juvies, Unlikely Friends), Major Bunton, and Sabra Williams, co-founder of Creative Acts and The Actors' Gang Prison Project. After the discussion, the award-winning documentary "Road To Return" narrated by Tim Robbins will be screened. Discussion will be moderated by Tony Abatemarco, Skylight Co-Artistic Director.
Duration is approximately 90mins; film is 60 mins.
About the film Road To Return, produced by Chance Films:
The award-winning film, directed by Leslie Neale, was presented to the United States Congress, prompting a bill authorizing 6 million dollars for prison aftercare and rehabilitation. In the documentary, an African American former bank robber and a white college professor unite to create unique drumming workshops that help former offenders return not to crime but to society as productive citizens. The film is narrated by Tim Robbins and includes interviews with John Densmore of the The Doors and Sister Helen Prejean of "Dead Man Walking." Road to Return is a compelling look at one effective, relatively inexpensive and humane approach to slowing America’s prison industrial complex.
Leslie Neale (documentary film maker) - Leslie and her films are recognized worldwide for their emotionally gripping look into the world of crime and justice. With over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry – on both sides of the camera – her company, Chance Films, takes a socially active role through film with a particular passion to tell stories that promote understanding and instigate positive change within the criminal justice system.
Sabra Williams (Creative Acts) - has received international acclaim for her work as an actor, host and co-founder of The Actors' Gang Prison Project, including being named by President Obama a, “Champion of Change” in 2016, and being honored with a British Empire Medal for services to the Arts & Prison Reform by Queen Elizabeth in 2018. She is co-founder of Creative Acts, a Social Justice initiative that uses the Arts as the tool for transformation. Creative Acts has Civic Engagement programs in juvenile facilities and a new Virtual Reality Arts Reentry program in adult maximum security prisons, for people returning after life sentences. Sabra is a Visiting Lecturer at UCLA and an Adjunct Professor at USC. She is a Bellagio Rockefeller Resident Fellow and an in-demand speaker on justice and Arts issues, and a member of The Independent Shakespeare Company, LA ensemble.
Creative Acts (non profit) is an organization that seeks to transform urgent social justice issues through the revolutionary power of the Arts; to heal trauma, build community, raise power, and center the voices of those who are or have been incarcerated.
Skylight Live – Spotlight on Change 2021 offers entertainment that invites understanding, fresh beginnings, and opportunities to grow while helping others.
The online series is designed to bring people together and create connection while we're living lives distanced and apart. Please visit our partner organization's websites to learn more about who they are and what they do.
Skylight Theatre's Artistic Development Programs are supported in part by grants from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, and the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture.
We thank them for their unwavering support for the performing arts and artists.
Leslie Neale (documentary film maker) - Leslie and her films are recognized worldwide for their emotionally gripping look into the world of crime and justice. With over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry – on both sides of the camera – her company, Chance Films, takes a socially active role through film with a particular passion to tell stories that promote understanding and instigate positive change within the criminal justice system.
Sabra Williams (Creative Acts) - has received international acclaim for her work as an actor, host and co-founder of The Actors' Gang Prison Project, including being named by President Obama a, “Champion of Change” in 2016, and being honored with a British Empire Medal for services to the Arts & Prison Reform by Queen Elizabeth in 2018. She is co-founder of Creative Acts, a Social Justice initiative that uses the Arts as the tool for transformation. Creative Acts has Civic Engagement programs in juvenile facilities and a new Virtual Reality Arts Reentry program in adult maximum security prisons, for people returning after life sentences. Sabra is a Visiting Lecturer at UCLA and an Adjunct Professor at USC. She is a Bellagio Rockefeller Resident Fellow and an in-demand speaker on justice and Arts issues, and a member of The Independent Shakespeare Company, LA ensemble.
Creative Acts (non profit) is an organization that seeks to transform urgent social justice issues through the revolutionary power of the Arts; to heal trauma, build community, raise power, and center the voices of those who are or have been incarcerated.
Skylight Live – Spotlight on Change 2021 offers entertainment that invites understanding, fresh beginnings, and opportunities to grow while helping others.
The online series is designed to bring people together and create connection while we're living lives distanced and apart. Please visit our partner organization's websites to learn more about who they are and what they do.
Skylight Theatre's Artistic Development Programs are supported in part by grants from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, and the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture.
We thank them for their unwavering support for the performing arts and artists.
