Westchester Community Foundation Partnered With Jacob Burns Film Center To Present Documentary Film: "Dramatic Escape"

A sell-out crowd of 200 people came to see “Dramatic Escape” at the Jacob Burns Film Center on Feb. 18, and to hear the inspirational stories of the men behind the bars of Sing Sing Correctional Facility.

The film, the 20th in the Westchester Community Foundation’s Community Matters series with Jacob Burns, documented the production of “A Few Good Men” at Sing Sing, led by Rehabilitation Through the Arts. The film followed the prisoners from auditions to final curtain, and along the way examined the effect of the arts program on their personal journeys to rehabilitation and redemption. Several graduates of the RTA program, including the lead player in the film, attended the screening, and spoke passionately about profound changes they experienced.

After the film, Westchester Community Foundation’s Executive Director, Laura Rossi, led a panel discussion with Katherine Vockins, Executive Director of Rehabilitation Through the Arts, and Robert Sanchez, a graduate of the RTA program. The discussion provided a deeper, emotional discussion of the film and the impact RTA had on them during their time in Sing Sing. A reception followed in the Jane Peck Gallery, where discussions about film, arts, redemption, and incarceration continued. Attendees also had the opportunity to write messages to incarcerated men where they shared their reaction to the film and asked questions about future RTA productions at Sing Sing.

The next Community Matters film will be “Poverty, Inc.,” on Thursday, May 5, at 7 p.m., followed by “Bikes vs. Cars” on Sunday, June 5, at noon.

Photo Credit:
Photo 1 and Photo 2: Jacob Burns Film Center
Photos 3-6: Buzz Creators, Inc.