First Degree 2015
Distributed by Alexander Street Press, 350 7th Ave/Ste 1100, New York, NY 10001
Produced by Roger Weisberg
Directed by Roger Weisberg
DVD, color, 27 min.
High School - General Adult
Correctional Institutions, Correctional Services, Corrections, Criminal Justice, Education, Prisoners, Prisons, Rehabilitation, Social Science
Date Entered: 08/09/2016
Reviewed by Margaret M. Reed, Riley-Hickingbotham Library, Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, AREarning a college degree may be commonplace to many in our society, but for some, it is another chance at life. A remarkable educational program at New York’s Sing Sing Correctional Facility offers proof.
Veteran filmmaker Roger Weisberg shares three inspiring stories of past and present inmates who’ve been transformed by their pursuit of higher learning. Allowing them to speak for themselves, he skillfully illuminates how repentance and hopefulness motivated their success. Not only did their education equip them to be productive citizens and mentors; it helped them realize their full potential as human beings.
Well-researched, First Degree makes a compelling case for prison-college partnerships. Citing a meta-analysis of scientific studies on correctional institution education, the film notes that every dollar spent on prison education programs saves five dollars on re-incarceration costs.
In 2015, First Degree earned top honors at the Tiburon International Film Festival (Golden Reel Award, Best Short), the Worldfest-Houston International Film and Video Festival (Gold Remi Award), and the Ojai Film Festival (Best Documentary Short). It was also an official selection at the New York City Independent Film Festival, Pittsburgh Independent Film Festival, and Philadelphia Independent Film Festival.
Highly recommended for all libraries, First Degree is an outstanding resource for courses in criminal justice and the social sciences. It is a must-see for public officials who have the power to fund higher education programs in correctional facilities.