The Work
Wednesday, April 25, 2018 – 7:30pm
USA 2017. Dirs: Jairus McLeary, Gethin Aldous. 90 min. DCP
Leave any preconceived notions you might have about “cons” at the door when you see The Work, an extraordinarily raw and intimate look at group therapy inside California’s Folsom State Prison. Dedicated to the personal growth of the incarcerated, the Inside Circle Foundation runs weekly therapy sessions, and twice a year conducts a four-day intensive group retreat with maximum-security convicts and men “from the outside.” In the documentary, bartender Charles, museum worker Chris, and teacher’s assistant Brian join 50 inmates to face their personal demons together. The results are emotionally explosive, but also bring surprising moments of healing, compassion, and camaraderie. The film was an audience favourite and award-winner at several festivals. “An emotionally riveting documentary that may very well be the most powerful group therapy ever caught on camera” (Eric Kohn, Indiewire).
Post-screening discussion with Alison Granger-Brown and Tom McCallum.
Moderated by Dr. Harry Karlinsky, Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia.
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Ms. Granger-Brown, PhD, is a therapist who specializes in the transformational growth and development of people in provincial and federal prison.
Mr. McCallum aka White Standing Buffalo is a Cree/Métis elder Sundance chief, currently working in federal corrections with Aboriginal inmates.
REVIEWS
“Remarkable … There’s such a profound sense of support among the participants that the movie