Draft:Finding the Light
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Comment: Please find and add multiple critical reviews with sources. RangersRus (talk) 10:11, 22 February 2025 (UTC)
| Finding the Light | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Brandon Haynes |
| Written by | Brandon Haynes |
| Produced by | Gabrielle Hawkins, Gretel Truong |
| Starring | Donna Hylton, AJ Johnson, Betsy Ramos |
| Cinematography | Brandon Haynes |
| Edited by | Kristian Otero |
Release date | December 2024 |
| Country | USA |
| Language | English |
Finding the Light is a documentary directed by Brandon Haynes. The film explores the life and activism of Donna Hylton, a formerly incarcerated woman who has become a leading advocate for criminal justice reform. The documentary highlights Hylton's nonprofit organization, A Little Piece of Light, which provides support for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women and LGBTQ+ individuals, advocating for their reentry into society.
Synopsis
[edit]The documentary follows Donna Hylton's journey from her experiences in the prison system to her advocacy work in the fight for social justice. Through personal interviews, archival footage, and observational storytelling, Finding the Light sheds light on the systemic issues within the criminal justice system and the resilience of those working to create change. The film underscores themes of redemption, second chances, and community support for marginalized groups.
A key focus of the film is the Survivors Act legislation, which Donna Hylton played a crucial role in getting approved.[1] The Survivors Act aims to provide legal protection and support for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking who have been criminalized due to circumstances related to their abuse. The documentary highlights how this legislation has been instrumental in overturning wrongful convictions and providing pathways to justice for many individuals.
Production
[edit]The film was directed by Brandon Haynes and produced by Gabrielle Hawkins and was commissioned by Represent Justice.[2] It features intimate interviews with Donna Hylton and individuals impacted by the criminal justice system, alongside powerful visuals capturing the work of A Little Piece of Light in action. The documentary is characterized by its use of naturalistic lighting and intimate cinematography, aligning with Haynes' signature style of immersive storytelling.
Release and Reception
[edit]Finding the Light has been showcased at various film festivals (Austin Film Festival in 2023,[3] Halifax Black Film Festival,[4] Socially Relevant Film Festival,[5] and Toronto Inside Out Film Festival[6][7]) and events centered around social justice and criminal justice reform. The documentary has received praise for its poignant storytelling and its ability to humanize those affected by mass incarceration.[8][9] [10]
Title Inspiration
[edit]The name Finding the Light was inspired by Donna Hylton's nonprofit organization, A Little Piece of Light, and her memoir of the same name.[11] Both the organization and the book focus on Hylton's experiences with incarceration and her journey toward advocacy and justice reform. The title reflects the film's overarching themes of hope, resilience, and the pursuit of justice.
Themes and Impact
[edit]The film contributes to the broader discourse on prison reform and the rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals. It serves as an educational tool, emphasizing the importance of support systems in reducing recidivism and empowering individuals post-incarceration. Additionally, it spotlights high-profile cases where the Survivors Act has been successfully applied, bringing justice to those who had been wrongfully imprisoned due to circumstances of abuse and exploitation.
See Also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Drew Dixon, Donna Hylton and More Survivors of Color Urge New York Lawmakers to Pass the Adult Survivors Act". Safe Horizon. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
- ^ https://www.representjustice.org/finding-the-light
- ^ "Austin Film Festival Selections Schedule". Austin Film Festival.
- ^ "HBFF Presents: Finding the Light". Halifax Black Film Festival.
- ^ "Finding The Light New York Premiere". Social relevant Film Festival. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
- ^ "INSIDE OUT 2SLGBTQ+ FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES SHORT FILM LINEUP FOR 33rd EDITION". Deadline. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
- ^ "Inside Out 2SLGBTQ+ Announces Full Lineup For 33rd Annual Film Festival; Will Open With Ira Sachs' Romantic Drama 'Passages'". Deadline. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
- ^ Smith, Sterling. "A Stirring Portrait of Resilience and Redemption". Letterboxd. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
- ^ clovis, marcello. "Review Finding The Light". letterboxd. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
- ^ "Finding The Light Review". Letterboxd. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
- ^ "A Little Piece of Light: A Memoir of Hope, Prison, and a Life Unbound". Good Reads. Retrieved 21 February 2025.