MUSIC FROM THE BIG HOUSE
Director: Bruce McDonald A release for Matson FIlms Theatrical release: June 1, 2012From acclaimed director Bruce McDonald, teaming with Emmy and Oscar nominated documentary producer Erin Faith Young and her producing partner Jennifer St. John, comes a rare and exclusive musical journey. Rita Chiarelli, an award-winning recording artist, takes a pilgrimage to the birthplace of the blues, Louisiana State Maximum Security Penitentiary a.k.a Angola Prison. She never imagined that her love of the blues would lead her to a historic jailhouse performance with inmates serving life sentences for murder, rape, and armed robbery. This musical journey is a glance into what used to be the bloodiest prison in America, but now gives lifers something to live for through the power of music. In contrast to sensational stories of convicts, we witness remarkable voices of hope as their love of music radiates humanity and redemption on their quest for forgiveness.
No matter where you stand on these issues, you won’t be the same once you’ve seen it. Like the Blues itself, the film is all about truth, conviction and belief.The Standard Examiner
Gorgeously filmed in black and white, and crisply edited....themes of deep regret and redemption run throughout the film. Kind of like the blues.San Francisco Bay Examiner
The film ends up much more than a music documentary; it examines guilt and redemption in very moving waysSouth Bend Tribune
Ultimately a collection of stories of men's flaws, hopes, and the discovery of forgiveness.Rotten Tomatoes
Will remind you why you love the Blues... What an amazing documentary! I guarantee you will be moved Unbelievable!KSL News Radio