Three artists are followed in The Art of Incarceration as they go through various stages of creative growth and “recovery” (both within the eyes of the system and within their own introspective consciousness). While looking for explanations and working toward solutions, this narrative documentary analyzes and humanizes the overrepresentation of Indigenous Australians in the criminal justice system.
The movie provides an unflinching look at the inmates’ efforts to find their cultural identities and experience spiritual healing as they get ready for the yearly Confined Exhibition (which is organized by the nonprofit The Torch) and life outside. With “experiences that no one can take away from us, no matter how bad the circumstances grow,” the Confined exhibition serves as a bridge between society and jail.
Filmmaker Alex Siddons and activist Robby Wirramanda had a close bond that inspired them to develop The Art of Incarceration. Together with Christopher Austin, whom Alex met in the Fulham jail’s Indigenous section, they started a 16-month process of documenting hundreds of hours of life both inside and outside the prison. Uncle Jack Charles just joined the group (along with several of his old buddies) to offer his voice to a cause he is really concerned about.
The film examines poorly understood topics like institutionalization, intergenerational trauma, cultural estrangement, and addiction in a simple and powerful way. Through their artwork, they are able to communicate their emotions and hone a talent that they can use once they are released from jail. It “gives you another direction,” in the words of Christopher Austin.
The movie gives real faces to the statistics we read about Aboriginal incarceration and reoffending rates. At the same time, it demonstrates how using creativity to express one’s thoughts and feelings via art gives a way to live differently and encourages others to do the same.
The Art of Incarceration illustrates and explores significant and interconnected aspects of Indigenous History and Culture, not as a collection of statistics and generalizations, but rather as they are reflected in the lives of many Indigenous Australians, including their ancestors, families, children, and language and land groups.
The Art of Incarceration ought to start the dialogue that Australia has been too long avoiding.
Is “The Art of Incarceration” on Hulu?
“The Art of Incarceration” won’t be on Hulu. Best alternatives: Godsend, Ghost Rider.
Is “The Art of Incarceration” on HBO Max?
“The Art of Incarceration” will not be available on HBO Max. Best choices: The Raid 2, The World’s End.
Is “The Art of Incarceration” on Prime Video?
“The Art of Incarceration” will not be hosted by Prime Video. Best options: Top Gun, Mr. Mom.
Is “The Art of Incarceration” on Netflix?
The Netflix-exclusive documentary film Art of Incarceration is slated to debut on July 3, 2022. Jack Charles serves as the narrator of this documentary.
The cost of Netflix’s entry-level plan has increased from $8.99 to $9.99 per month, while the cost of its regular plan has increased from $13.99 to $15.49 per month. The base tier costs around Rs 760, while the standard plan costs about Rs 1,180, when converted into Indian rupees. However, Netflix’s basic plan and standard plan in India only cost Rs 199 and Rs 499, respectively, each month. In India, there is a fourth “Mobile” tier that costs Rs 149 (about $1.95) a month and allows customers to access material solely on mobile devices.