Award-Winning Documentary 'Songs Inside' Returns To the Capri for Exclusive Screenings
The compelling film focuses on a group of women incarcerated in Adelaide Women’s Prison who discover the power of healing through music.
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The award-winning documentary Songs Inside returns to cinemas this December and January for a special run of screenings.
Taking out the Audience Award for Best Documentary at this year’s Adelaide Film Festival, where the doco also made its world premiere, Songs Inside is playing at the iconic Capri Theatre across the upcoming festival period.
Directed by passionate South Australian filmmaker Shalom Almond, Songs Inside follows the inspiring and emotional journey of a small cluster of women in Adelaide Women’s Prison and their experiences with music over the course of six months.
Finding hope and redemption through performing, the doco focuses on the women as they deal with personal struggles, traumas and addictions while discovering the healing power of music.
Led by Barkindji singer-songwriter Nancy Bates, the women undergo a transformative experience that culminates with the group performing alongside the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra in front of over 200 inmates and special guests – the largest concert ever staged within an Australian prison.
“As a filmmaker, I was granted unprecedented access by the Adelaide Women’s Prison to film in all areas of the prison. This allowed me to completely immerse myself in the prison environment and develop intense, meaningful and trusting relationships with those involved,” explained filmmaker Shalom Almond.
“The result is a shockingly honest insight into the complex lives of women in prison and the transformative power that music can have on their futures. The stories of the women I followed are woven together to create an urgent, complex and compassionate portrait of incarcerated women today.”
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Not only is Songs Inside an emotional, thought-provoking and ultimately uplifting film, but it’s also part of a wider Impact Campaign aiming to increase awareness and social attitudes towards incarcerated women.
Those behind the campaign believe systemic change is needed within Australia’s justice system to tackle issues impacting those in jail, including addiction, trauma and the disproportionate incarceration of First Nations women.
“The transformative power of music is at the heart of this story,” says Nancy Bates.
“The Songbirds found not only their voices but also a renewed sense of self-worth and agency. This is proof that everyone deserves a second chance.”
The three exclusive screenings of Songs Inside at the Capri Theatre will include two Q&A sessions with Nancy Bates and Ensemble members, along with a special post-screening performance from the Songbirds at the final screening.
Song Inside plays at the Capri Theatre on Sunday, December 15, Wednesday, December 18 and Saturday, January 18. Tickets are on sale now via capri.org.au.
Songs Inside Screenings
Sunday, December 15, 3pm – Includes Q&A with filmmakers and Songbirds post-screening
Wednesday, December 18, 6pm – Includes Q&A with filmmakers and Songbirds post-screening
Saturday, January 18, 6pm – Includes live performance with Songbirds post-screening
