Movies

With shocking secret footage, prison doc ‘The Alabama Solution’ should outrage the nation

BBG News

At the Sundance Film Festival held in Park City, Utah, I’ve found myself subtly suggesting “The Alabama Solution” to those I’ve encountered ever since I arrived a week ago – mostly through whispered conversations.

The reason for this is that Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman’s groundbreaking investigation into Alabama’s prison system, which was shown here yesterday under strict confidentiality, features inmates as the main sources. This documentary, titled “The Alabama Solution,” exposes cruel living conditions, forced labor, and rampant violence against prisoners, primarily using secret footage shot by inmates with contraband cellphones. This results in one of the most striking, realistic portrayals of our prison system ever recorded on film.

The courageous actions of inmate activists Melvin Ray and Robert Earl Council, who leaked crucial information, and the filmmakers’ relentless pursuit of the truth, should stir up anger across the nation. Moreover, it invites us to scrutinize our local communities: As co-producer Alex Duran pointed out to me, California voters recently declined a proposal aimed at prohibiting forced labor in prisons, and imprisoned firefighters played a significant role in battling the recent wildfires in Los Angeles.

Jarecki and Kaufman had a chat with me, taking place at L.A. Times Studios during Sundance, where we delved into the potential dangers for their sources due to the film’s launch, as well as their questions for Alabama Governor Kay Ivey. For clarity and brevity, our conversation was edited and shortened.

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Before delving into the origins of the movie, let’s first discuss your initial fascination with the theme – mass incarceration, the functioning of the judicial system, and prison conditions. How passionate were you about this subject matter prior to working on “The Alabama Solution”?

During the production of “Capturing the Friedmans”, Andrew Jarecki visited Jesse Friedman at Dannemora Correctional Facility in upstate New York, and he found the experience of entering a maximum-security facility quite unexpected – the strict lockdown, the isolation from the outside world, especially for journalists. This sparked his curiosity. Later, after making films about various parts of the justice system, Jarecki went to Alabama in 2019, where he encountered a prison chaplain who organized barbecues and revival meetings within prisons. Recognizing an opportunity to learn something, Jarecki initially didn’t consider it as a film project. However, when the possibility of filming presented itself, Andrew and his partner Charlotte seized the chance to access a place that is typically off-limits to the media and public.

Charlotte, could you share with me the tale from that barbecue day? I’m intrigued, did you perhaps hold a certain expectation of what was to unfold before your arrival that day? Naturally, when the prisoners started approaching you and mentioned, “There’s a story here that they’re not showing you,” it altered things, but did you have a different perspective entering the situation?

Charlotte Kaufman: Initially, we approached with open minds since it’s not often one gets access to an Alabama prison. We viewed this as a unique chance to interact with some of the inmates, observe the facility, and gather information. However, it wasn’t long before we realized that our discussions were restricted, and we weren’t permitted to speak privately with the men. This limitation prompted us to delve deeper into our investigation.

Following the initial scene in the movie, a title card appears providing background information about how, after your visit, you began receiving communications from prisoners within the prison using contraband cellphones. The clips of these calls form the heart of the film and contribute significantly to its shocking and outrageous nature. Could you please take me back to that first instance when you received this outreach? What was your initial response?

Jarecki expressed astonishment upon discovering an abundance of cellphones within Alabama’s prisons, which are infamously understaffed and under-resourced. This results in many facilities being operated with a minimal workforce, often having only a few hundred officers for a 1,400-bed facility. On weekends, this number may drop to just 20 officers, revealing a lack of awareness among correctional staff. Large sections of the prison are left unexplored by these officers, making it possible for inmates to communicate using these cellphones, which Jarecki believes are primarily smuggled in by the guards – a widespread practice known as the cellphone trade. The revelation that such phone use is even possible has left many viewers equally bewildered.

One of the aspects that left me troubled and upset upon watching it was the depiction of the living conditions. The scenes showed flooded floors, overflowing toilets, and rats everywhere. Was this something that surprised you too when you first began receiving such images from your sources within?

As a movie reviewer, I’ve had the opportunity to delve into the chilling reality of Alabama’s prison system through the comprehensive report released by the Department of Justice. However, reading about it is vastly different from witnessing it firsthand. There’s an undeniable impact when you can visually experience the harsh living conditions within these walls. It’s no wonder prisons are shrouded in secrecy, and access is strictly limited. We, as the public, are left to piece together the truth from written accounts because seeing it for ourselves makes the situation far less tolerable.

During this six-year investigation, I formed significant relationships with key informants within the facilities. With the impending release of our film, these individuals find themselves at risk of retaliation from correctional officers and higher authorities. The ethical dilemma I faced was to protect their identities and ensure their safety while bringing their stories to light. My discussions with them revolved around the potential risks they were willing to take and their unwavering commitment to exposing the truth, despite the potential consequences. Their courage and dedication serve as a testament to the power of journalism in seeking justice and holding those accountable for wrongdoings.

Jarecki explained that the team gave considerable thought to the sensitive issue, as they developed a deeper understanding and empathy for those in similar situations. They recognized the beauty of the film in showcasing the humanity of people often misunderstood by society. Extensive conversations were held with these individuals, who had been advocating for change within the prison system for years. From the outset, it was clear that the team was aligned with their mission, and they saw themselves as partners in this endeavor. The subjects were well-known to the authorities and have faced retaliation in the past, so the team remains cautious and vigilant about potential repercussions. An organization has been established to provide support if needed.

Could you share some thoughts on your personal and artistic journey while working as filmmakers, given the distinctive methodology where your contacts are incarcerated, yet you maintain regular communication with them? This aspect resonated particularly during the storytelling of the prison strike and its aftermath. While you may be privy to more information than the general public via mainstream media, the physical distance prevents a sense of control over the situation. Could you describe this experience from an emotional or creative perspective as filmmakers?

Kaufman: It’s a profoundly emotional journey to observe and participate in this stirring protest movement, and witness the state’s response. It’s an honor to engage in these prolonged discussions with all our contributors. However, it’s this urgency that makes the film crucial. They are at risk, yet they continue their activism, which unfortunately puts them at further risk. For over two decades, they have faced retaliation for their activism.

In this situation, we’re talking about individuals who have suffered harm within the system, often at the hands of those meant to ensure their safety. Building a strong bond of trust with these people to witness their courage in opening up about their experiences requires a significant effort. The level of trust required for them to let us accompany them and observe this remarkable form of protest is truly commendable.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that, despite the violence they have endured, all their actions are nonviolent. They place great emphasis on the significance of peaceful resistance. It’s disheartening yet revealing that when faced with these nonviolent protesters, the state – equipped with the full might of government and military hardware – can only respond with violence. This situation underscores just how upside-down the system truly is.

The title of the movie originates from a frequently quoted phrase by Governor Kay Ivey, who appears in the film. Should you have the opportunity to interview her on camera, what question would you pose to her?

The initial question I would pose to her is whether she ever goes to prisons. I believe her response might be something like “Yes, only once…” or similar. We both seem excited about having this discussion. However, my starting point for the conversation would be to explore how disconnected she may be from the plight of her state’s citizens, given that she continues suggesting unfeasible solutions. But I aim to start our interaction by gaining a deeper understanding of her perspective.

Proposal by Kaufman: I’d propose that we request permission from her. Our film was made possible thanks to some incredibly brave individuals who took significant risks, talking with us and sharing their material. So, I would like to ask her this question: “What specific conditions must be met for you to grant transparency, enabling the media to freely interview the men and allowing cameras inside without restrictions?

As a movie enthusiast, let me share an intriguing piece of data that we’ve been discussing, which I believe the governor might not be aware of. Among numerous statistics, this one stands out as something the governor may not be familiar with. However, when you delve into the details of the work programs within the prison system, it’s revealed that a significant number of the 20,000 men in that system are made to work, both inside and outside prisons, on road crews across the state, even at places like McDonald’s and other companies. The state is profiting from their labor, while they receive only a small fraction of it.

What makes this statistic extraordinary is that the individuals who are allowed to work and are considered safe enough to be in the community, interacting with others – some of whom you can see in our film walking around the state fair or even near the governor’s mansion – are statistically less likely to be granted parole than those at a higher level of safety concern. In other words, people deemed safer are less likely to be released, perhaps because they are more valuable as workers.

I suspect that this correlation isn’t being calculated intentionally, primarily because it doesn’t seem to be a major concern for them, partly because they are also insulated from fully understanding what’s going on within their own system.

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2025-01-29 02:32

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