‘After Innocence,’ a film for truth and justice

Tha Truth WW photo: John Catalinotto

Politically educated individuals have no doubt seen many informative documentaries. I have seen countless well-done documentary films and many have added to my knowledge and evolution. However, “After Innocence” is beyond compelling; this is one of the most important films ever made.

While many tend to ignore the conditions inside the U.S. prison system and tend to think the worst of incarcerated men and women, this film provides the opportunity to get to know those who have been locked away for decades.

“After Innocence” takes us inside a place many individuals would rather not think about. It is easier for many to ignore topics that are unpleasant, yet often these topics are the ones most worthy of our attention and actions.

From meeting several ex-convicts in the film, we learn about their treatment on the inside and how the system operated during their prison time. The shocking aspect of the film to many is that all of these men were released after serving years in prison because they were innocent—as proved in court years, often decades, after their convictions.

After being released, these wrongfully convicted individuals must deal with problems such as having to pay thousands of dollars to have their criminal records expunged, not being compensated financially for their suffering, trying to find a job and living with the traumatic memories of isolation and inhumane treatment inside the prison walls.

It is beyond critical that any compassionate, politically educated individual see this film and encourage others to see it. We often speak of the problems of the U.S. legal system, but this film provides irrefutable evidence of the drastic need to completely revolutionize it.

Fortunately, those who made the movie are organized and active in helping to change the system. After seeing “After Innocence,” viewers will no doubt be inspired to play a part in this crucial struggle. Far from being depressing, the film offers ways to get involved and portrays many courageous activists and organizers who are making a serious difference.

I have also written a song for my next political rap album called “The Injustice System,” which incorporates many of the film’s issues and themes. The song features lyrics such as “The movie ‘After Innocence’/After you witness it/You see the significance/of changing the whole system it’s/The real ‘Shawshank Redemption’/That needs attention,” and “Daryl Hunt was innocent/but served 20 years in prison/His innocence was presented/with DNA evidence.”

The song’s purpose is to infuse themes from the film and my own research to bring attention to the prison-industrial complex, outrageous drug war, horrific death penalty, and lack of humane treatment in the so-called corrections system. Additionally, the purpose of the song (and my CDs) is to quickly educate those who are not prone to watching documentaries or reading informative books.

For more info on the movie, see www.afterinnocence.com. Tha Truth’s music is available through www.cdbaby.com/cd/thatruth2. To contact Tha Truth by email: [email protected].