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When men in a Pennsylvania state prison join with victims of crime to create a mural about healing, their views on punishment, remorse, and forgiveness collide. But as the participants move deeper into the creative process, mistrust gives way to surprising moments of human contact and common purpose.
This award winning documentary raises important questions about crime, justice and reconciliation -- and dramatically illustrates the role that art can play in facilitating dialogue about difficult issues.
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"An extraordinary documentary" -- The Huffington Post
"An exploration of both sides of a dialogue centered around tremendous pain." -- Kate Strong, Restorative Justice Online
"Visually rich and morally perplexing" -- Rachel M. Williams, PhD., Studies in Art Education, National Art Education Association
"A great discussion tool for college classes, community groups and others interested in issues of justice, community-building, conflict resolution and socially-engaged art." -- Howard Zehr, Professor of Restorative Justice, Eastern Mennonite University
"In an academic setting this film can illustrate the complexities of issues like victim awareness and offender reintegration ... and help to begin conversations that add depth to what students read." - Phil Harris, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Temple University
"The questionsare not easy, and the answers are not always clear. Pedagogically sound, the film does not simplify or sanitize. It allows us to grapple. And be moved and inspired while we do it." -- Lisa Handler, Professor of Sociology, Community College of Philadelphia - Dept. of Social Sciences
"Demonstrates the ability of art to facilitate some of the most difficult dialogues ... will inspire thoughtful discussion wherever it is shown." -- Grady Hillman, Director, Center for Community Arts-Texas State University
Director's Award, Hearts and Minds Film Festival, 2009
Best Short Documentary, Peace on Earth Film Festival, 2011
John Michaels Award for Social Justice, Big Muddy Film Festival, 2011
Cultural Spirit Award, New Hope Film Festival, 2011
Cindy Burstein and Tony Heriza CINDY BURSTEIN, Director/Producer
Cindy Burstein is an award winning independent producer and media outreach professional. Following a career in community organizing, she received her MFA from Rutgers University to pursue the use of documentary film as a tool for social change, dialogue and civic engagement. In addition to producing and directing, she also works with other independent filmmakers to develop public engagement initiatives for theatrical releases, broadcast premieres and educational distribution. For ten years, she served as the Philadelphia Regional Outreach Coordinator for the Independent Television Service Community Cinema Program -- a groundbreaking public education and civic engagement initiative featuring free monthly screenings of films from the Emmy Award-winning series Independent Lens. She is a 2010 recipient of the Leeway Transformation Award, a fellowship which recognizes women artists who are engaged in social change.
TONY HERIZA, Director/Producer
Since co-founding the Community Media Workshop in Dayton, Ohio in 1974, Tony Heriza has been involved in many aspects of media for social change—producing, editing, teaching and working with community organizations. He is an award winning producer and his documentaries have been broadcast nationally on PBS, screened at the Margaret Mead and other festivals. He has a B.A. from Antioch College and a Master's degree from Rutgers University, where he was a staff producer and adjunct faculty member. He is now Director of Educational Outreach for the American Friends Service Committee and teaches documentary video production in the Fine Arts Department at the University of Pennsylvania.
Carved from the Heart
Carved from the Heart intertwines the process of carving and erecting the Healing Heart totem pole with the participants' stories of personal loss, grief, substance abuse, suicide and violence.
Subject: Physical & Mental Health & Addiction
Brooklyn Matters
A riveting look at how big real estate, politics, community voices, and a desperate need for jobs and housing clash in one of the largest development proposals in the history of New York City.
Subject: Urban Studies & Environment
A gang member, a mother, and a small-time dealer. They served their sentences, they're on parole. Now they're about to discover that walking out the prison gates is just the beginning.
Seeing Red
An informed look at the individuals who made up the American Communist Party from the 1930s through the '50s. Not just a rosy remembrance, Seeing Red looks critically at the party's connection with the Soviet Union and its lack of internal democracy.
The Family Journey: Raising Gender Nonconforming Children
How do you accept and love your transgender child?
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City of Borders
Israelis and Palestinians find an island of peace at Jerusalem's only gay bar.
Subject: Human Rights & Global Issues
Carved from the Heart
Carved from the Heart intertwines the process of carving and erecting the Healing Heart totem pole with the participants' stories of personal loss, grief, substance abuse, suicide and violence.
Subject: Physical & Mental Health & Addiction
Brooklyn Matters
A riveting look at how big real estate, politics, community voices, and a desperate need for jobs and housing clash in one of the largest development proposals in the history of New York City.
Subject: Urban Studies & Environment
