Music From the Big House – Educational

From acclaimed director Bruce McDonald, MUSIC FROM THE BIG HOUSE is an extraordinary documentary about finding hope, joy and music behind bars. Rita Chiarelli, Canada’s Queen of the Blues, takes a pilgrimage to the birthplace of the Blues: Louisiana State Maximum Security Penitentiary, a.k.a Angola Prison – formerly the bloodiest prison in America.  Rita’s trip turns into an historic jailhouse performance, playing with – rather than for – musician inmates serving life sentences. Their shared bond of music, and Chiarelli’s ebullient personality, draw striking revelations from the inmates. Rather than sensational stories of convicts, we witness remarkable voices of hope as their love of music radiates humanity and redemption on their quest for forgiveness.

Educational usage: Social Justice, Human Rights, American Studies, Southern Studies, Restorative Justice, Law and Legal Studies, African-American Studies, Media Studies, Music, Religion, Anthropology, Christianity, Performance, Cultural Studies

Non-theatrical Public Performance Rights allow the purchaser to screen the film for groups of 50 or less. These rights are guaranteed in perpetuity for the life of the copy. No admission can be charged and screenings may not be open to the public.

Length: 87 minutes | Language: English | Year: 2012

DVD with PPR: $299

To pay via purchase order, check or money order, please contact info@matsonfilms.com