S.O.U.L. Fest x ABFF Global London: Opening Night:

Sing Sing

+ Q&A with presenter Richie Brave, author DD Armstrong, and youth coach and filmmaker Amani Simpson

Join the opening night of the 6th annual S.O.U.L Film Festival with the highly anticipated SING SING, featuring a career best performance from Colman Domingo.

  • Director

    Greg Kwedar

  • With

    Colman Domingo, Paul Raci, Clarence ‘Divine Eye’ Maclin

  • USA 2023. 105min

  • Digital

  • A Black Bear release

Fresh from his Oscar-nominated turn in Rustin, Colman Domingo brings remarkable depth and emotional resonance to this drama of incarcerated men finding purpose through performance. Imprisoned in the Sing Sing Correctional Facility, author-playwright Divine G is a dedicated member of Rehabilitation Through the Arts, a programme that sees him lead a troupe of fellow inmates through a production of A Midsummer’s Night Dream. However, his position as lead actor comes under threat when a newcomer joins the group wanting to shake things up with a comedy play.

Beautifully shot on textured 16mm, this empathetic and witty gem was written in collaboration with, and features alumni of, the real-life Sing Sing RTA programme. The cast flourishes alongside Domingo and Paul Raci (Sound of Metal), as they draw us into authentic stories of injustice, strength and passion. It’s a special, heartfelt film that celebrates the cathartic power of art.

The screening will be followed by a conversation with broadcaster Richie Brave and writer, director and international educator DD Armstrong, who will discuss their specific experiences of how creativity within the prison system serves as a beacon of hope and a tool for transformation.

Richie Brave is a presenter, broadcaster and writer hailing from south London. He is known for his hard-hitting interviews and honest social criticism, which challenges people to think and reflect on themselves. Aside from his media experience, he has amassed over a decade’s worth of work in the community and uses this to shape and create engaging dialogue and interviews. Richie is host of BBC 1Xtra’s ‘1Xtra Talks’ exploring the lived experiences of Black people across the UK.

Author DD Armstrong is an award winning, writer, director and international educator who holds a MA in Stage and Screenwriting. He is the founder of Castletown Arts, a social enterprise that promotes the development of new skills and self-growth through creative arts and media in prisons, high schools and pupil referral units.

Amani Simpson is an award-winning youth coach, social impact filmmaker, and visionary dedicated to empowering current and future generations to overcome personal challenges. Drawing on his own inspirational story of transformation, he combines creativity and expertise in youth engagement to challenge, uplift, and enrich lives.