‘Sing Sing’ is a touching drama starring Colman Domingo as John “Divine G” Whitfield, a real-life convicted felon in a high-security prison. Directed by Greg Kwedar, the movie is based on a true story partly written by Whitfield and Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin, who also appears in the film. The movie shows the personal changes of many inmates and their relationships with each other. The story revolves around their daily struggles in prison and takes an unexpected turn when they join the Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program.
The RTA program is a real-life practice that provides inmates with a unique form of treatment by allowing them to prepare and stage their own comic play, ‘Breakin’ The Mummy’s Code. Although the A24 drama depicts the brutal realities of jail life, it also examines human strength and bonds. Kwedar’s direction adds a real touch to the escape story, creating ‘Sing Sing’ a high-quality and thought-provoking film with visuals that are just as strong as the script and acting.
Where was “Sing Sing” Filmed?
The story of ‘Sing Sing’ takes place at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility, a historical prison from the early nineteenth century in New York. Inmates were given opportunities to reflect on their lives, which inspired the film. The producers worked on the project for about six years until it was completed in the summer of 2022. ‘Sing Sing’ was filmed in real locales in New York in July and August, taking only 18 days. Pat Scola, the director of photography, ensured that the sights and filming locations played a significant role in increasing the story’s impact.
Westchester County, New York
The majority of “Sing Sing” was shot in the Sing Sing Correctional Facility, located at 354 Hunter Street in Ossining, Westchester County, New York. This was possible because a substantial portion of the jail was decommissioned that year, allowing the state to repurpose the valuable estate and build the Sing Sing Prison Museum. The harsh setting of Sing Sing Correctional Facility is depicted with minimum production design to maintain the authenticity of the location. This option allows the viewer to thoroughly immerse themselves in the characters’ challenging reality, experiencing both highs and lows.
Some shots were filmed outside the facility, near the banks of the Hudson River. The film’s meticulous recreation of the maximum-security prison setting provides a depth of reality that enhances the whole emotional experience. The centerpiece drama, ‘Breakin’ The Mummy’s Code,’ was also painstakingly restaged to match the original film. The prison, located only 30 miles from Manhattan’s skyscrapers, becomes a character in the film, where a figurative escape is as desirable as freely walking around New York City’s magnificent streets.
The Real Sing-Sing
Traditionally, Sing Sing was recognized as a severe incarceration camp with Victorian-era punishments, as opposed to the rehabilitation depicted in the film. Sean “Dino” Johnson, another actor and former inmate, stated, “We were aware of the humanity behind the wall. The world is unaware of it.” He also expressed his pride in returning to the prison for filming, despite the fact that he and many of his co-stars had promised never to see it again after being released. “Like the protagonists in the film, you must leave the nonsense outside the door. Did you come in here? “It’s a free space,” he said during a red carpet event.
Supportive atmosphere on set
Lead actor Colman Domingo fostered a supportive environment behind the scenes to ensure that his co-stars, particularly the former inmates, felt at ease while filming their sequences. At the Brooklyn premiere of ‘Sing Sing,’ he added, “I’ve lived in New York for 16 years, and many of my castmates, comrades, and brothers are from there. Many of them come from this borough. So it’s even more crucial that we hold this premiere here, when their families are present. “So it’s for them.”
“Sing Sing” is a dramatic film that depicts not just the harsh realities of prison life, but also the inmates’ resilience and connection. The real places in New York, particularly the Sing Sing Correctional Facility, lend credibility and depth to the drama. With attentive guidance and a supportive atmosphere on set, ‘Sing Sing’ provides the audience with a one-of-a-kind and poignant experience.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Sing Sing
Q: Where was “Sing Sing” filmed?
A: “Sing Sing” was primarily filmed at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility located at 354 Hunter Street in Ossining, Westchester County, New York. Additional scenes were shot outside the facility near the banks of the Hudson River.
Q: When was “Sing Sing” filmed?
A: Filming took place in July and August 2022. The entire shooting schedule lasted about 18 days.
Q: What is the Sing Sing Correctional Facility?
A: Sing Sing Correctional Facility is a historical prison from the early 19th century located in Ossining, New York. Known for its harsh confinement, it has been partially decommissioned and is being transformed into the Sing Sing Prison Museum.
Q: What is the Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program?
A: The Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program is a real initiative that allows incarcerated individuals to engage in therapy through the arts. In “Sing Sing,” inmates participate in this program by preparing and staging their own comedy play, ‘Breakin’ The Mummy’s Code.’
Q: When is the release date of “Sing Sing”?
A: “Sing Sing” was released on August 2, 2024.
