As awards season continues to churn, this year’s movies are finding unique ways to get the word out. For the Colman Domingo-starring Sing Sing, A24 is taking an approach very true to the message of the prison-set drama: Not only will the film be re-released in over 500 theaters on January 17th, but additionally, almost one million incarcerated people in the United States will be able to watch the movie this weekend.
The film, according to The Hollywood Reporter, will screen in correctional facilities across 46 states, as part of a collaboration between A24, RTA, and the nonprofit Edovo.
Directed by Greg Kwedar and Clint Bentley and currently available on VOD, Sing Sing stars Domingo as John “Divine G” Whitfield, who leads a troupe of his fellow inmates as they attempt to stage Breakin’ the Mummy’s Code, an original play written by their director Brent Buell (played by Paul Raci). Aside from Domingo, the cast features many actors who were formerly incarcerated and participated in the non-profit program Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA), including supporting actor contender Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin.
Said cast will be reuniting soon in New York for a special performance of Breakin’ the Mummy’s Code, which will take place at the New York Theater Workshop on February 3rd. J. Cameron-Smith (Succession) is hosting the closed event, which will include a Q&A with the cast and the real-life Brent Buell.
Sing Sing held its premiere inside the correctional facility that gave it its name back in June, and also screened for an incarcerated audience at the San Quentin Film Festival last October. In addition to numerous critics groups honors, Domingo and Maclin have both won Gotham Awards for their performances, and the film received multiple nominations at the upcoming Indie Spirits. Consequence also ranked it as one of the best films of 2024.