Ex-prisoners will discuss how learning has shaped their futures at the screening of a short film next month by a Mitcham trust.
Ex-prisoners will discuss how learning has shaped their futures at the screening of a short film next month by a Mitcham trust.
The film, ‘More than just a prisoner’, shares the stories of current and former prisoners who explain how education has helped them shape pro-social identities.
The screening, held by Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET), will be followed with a panel discussion featuring ex-prisoners and researcher Dr. Andreas Aresti.
Seb Kiler, PET Policy and Communications Officer, hopes both the public and policy makers will attend.
“Prison is a closed-off world, and this is way of opening it up for people to see,” he said.
“Ex-prisoners have lived life inside and out, and can say how education has improved their lives going forward.”
The event is part of a wider project to promote a learner voice, where offenders are viewed as informed participants who can help influence others.
Mr Kiler said: “It often changes their perception of their own lives; many realise they are suited to education and want to take it forward.
“Ex-prisoners are happy to promote this change to others.”
The role of film-making is crucial within this, and pieces exploring issues from the point of view of the individuals involved often prove the most effective.
Nadaav Soudry has created an interactive film for Red Kite Learning, a charity who run a range of skills and employment programmes.
Mr Soudry says that films provide a powerful medium for dealing with a range of campaigns.
“It’s incredibly powerful, often literature is not conveyed in an interesting way.
“Interactive media is very engaging, viewers are right in the film as much as possible.
“It turns factual information into drama, helping people identify with the subject and maintain interest to the end.
“Films are no longer just a fundraising method, they are the function themselves, and that’s better.”
Details on ‘More than just a prisoner’: http://morethanjustaprisoner-estw.eventbrite.co.uk/
View Nadaav’s piece at: http://nadaav.com/news/?p=229
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