Educational Media Reviews Online

Tre Maison Dasan is a nuanced and intimate portrait of three boys managing life as children of incarcerated parents. Shown primarily from the child’s perspective, the filmmakers juxtapose the harsh logistics of prison visitation and probation procedures, with tender moments between parent and child. The primary focus of the film is on the emotional toll of parental imprisonment on children, their parents, and their caregivers.

The filmmakers explore tough questions. How does a father raise his son from miles away and behind bars? How does a mother muster the courage to admit to her 6-year-old son that she wasn’t away at school but that she was actually in prison? What is it like to watch your child begin to make the same mistakes you did?

The film has a simple and to-the-point style that lets the boys’ stories speak for themselves. The experiences of the children’s caregivers and the burden they endure are only briefly considered. Although the three boys’ stories are unique, the common thread among them all is that their incarcerated parents are actively involved in their lives, which may not be an accurate portrayal of the range of experiences in this context.

Ultimately, Tre Maison Dasan is a testament to the human spirit and of children’s capacity for resilience. Even in the confines of cinder block walls and among a sea of khaki jumpsuits, we are reminded that imprisoned people and their children experience a range of human emotions including remorse, disappointment, redemption, as well as joy.

Although the film includes explicit language and underage marijuana use, it would be an excellent addition to the curriculum in high school social studies courses. At the college level, it would be most appropriate for social work, human development and family studies, psychology, criminal justice, and related courses.

Awards:

Rhode Island International Film Festival; London Raindance Festival; Olympia International Film Festival for Children and Young People