Written by Ally Abruscato. Photos by Ally Abruscato.
On the first day of the festival, actor Colman Domingo returned to SCAD to receive the Spotlight Award for his role in “Sing Sing.” The A24 film premiered in the United States this past July. The movie was a gorgeous encapsulation of the importance of art, the issues of the criminal justice system and a spotlight of humanity.
Directed by Greg Kwedar, “Sing Sing” followed Divine G, played by Domingo, and his fellow incarcerated friends as they put on a play in Sing Sing prison through “Rehabilitation Through the Arts.” Divine, based on a real person, was a founding member of the program that presented plays every few months. The club allowed inmates to express themselves, make art and create a community of trust and support. The movie highlighted Clarence Maclin’s first show and his at-times tricky integration into the group. The majority of the cast, besides Domingo and a few others, were formerly incarcerated individuals who portrayed themselves. Everyone’s acting was so incredible that I had no idea until the credits rolled.
“Sing Sing” was a powerful prison story that was innately human above all else. In some prison dramas, inmates are characterized by nothing more than the crime they committed. Unfortunately, these stigmas carry over into reality. “Sing Sing” chose to focus on the people as they are. From roars of laughter to moments of shock and inspiration, the audience in the Trustees Theater felt every poignant point of the film. Domingo did an incredible job in the movie, leading a talented ensemble cast in an emotional roller coaster. He had a large role in the creation of “Sing Sing” and discussed some of his intentional choices in the Q&A following the showing. According to Domingo, “I knew that I wanted this film to be a tender exploration of love, deconstructing toxic masculinity and all these other things, and all these other tropes. Because I think that’s what they were doing. They didn’t say it, but I could see it. I could see the tenderness.” Based off of Domingo’s interactions with the formerly incarcerated actors, he was better able to understand the story and character he portrayed. Domingo repeatedly emphasized how this was a movie about humanity and love. This shone throughout the film and was part of the reason why the film felt so successful. The movie was beautifully shot on 16mm film and shot in only 19 days. I’d highly recommend it to everyone and anyone.
Colman Domingo sits down for a Q&A post “Sing Sing” screening
As Editor-in-Chief, Ally Abruscato leads and supports a talented group of staff and contributors in pursuing their creative endeavors. At SCAD, Ally majors in Photography and minors in Advertising & Branding. She regularly offers pop culture insights through movie reviews, articles and her weekly column, “I’m Booked.” When she’s not writing or taking photos, Ally’s probably outside, reading or running.
