Concrete, Steel & Paint, the one hour documentary by Cindy Burnstein and Tony Heriza, follows the struggle of a prison art class to create an outdoor mural in the city of Philadelphia. Originally the project faced resistance from crime victims and victim advocates who questioned its message, but it was able to continue in a partnership with the city’s Mural Arts Program. The struggle and collaborative process resulted in a meaningful mural (for both prisoners and victims) about crime, restoration and healing.

The documentary does not attempt to suggest answers to the complicated issues surrounding incarceration and our nation’s prison system, but by highlighting programs like “Healing Walls” run by the Mural Arts Program, the film emphasizes the need for “dialogue and new approaches to finding justice and reconciliation.”

The Philadelphia premiere of Concrete, Steel & Paint will be at the International House on Thursday July 23, 2009 from 7-9 PM. The premiere features a discussion with the filmmakers, project participants and Howard Zehr (restorative justice pioneer). A reception follows the discussion. Tickets are $10 or whatever you can pay. Email cspfilm@gmail.com for your advanced reservations!!

Previous Post on the Mural Arts Program: Visual Restoration

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 at 11:23 am and is filed under Arts, Justice, Movements, Peace, Public Art, film. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.