Sing Sing

Oscar nominee Colman Domingo (Rustin, The Color Purple, Zola) gives the most powerful performance of his career as John “Divine G” Whitfield, an incarcerated man who acts in a theater program to give a purpose to his time in prison. The film tracks the shifting dynamics of the theater troupe when newcomer Divine Eye suggests the company put on a comedy instead of their usual dramas. Inspired by the actual Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program, the film features a dynamic, charming, and mischievous cast made up almost entirely of RTA alumni.

There have been many films that make visible the work of prison arts programs before but few with the emotional power, tenderness, and devotion to the artistic process as Sing Sing. The adventurous team at A24 is releasing the film later in July but this is your chance to attend a preview screening of the 2024 SXSW Audience Award winner, featuring music by the Cincinnati native Bryce Dessner, from the indie-rock band the National and a contributor to the Golden Globe–nominated score for The Revenant. (107 mins., DCP)

The evening will begin with readings of new, Wex-commissioned poems, written in response to the film by Ajanaé Dawkins, Urban Art Space’s 2024 community artist-in residence, and Michael “Blakk Sun” Powell, director of creative and youth programming at Healing Broken Circles and a musician, poet, actor, writer, and speaker.

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Sing Sing, courtesy of A24.