Documentary Feature Film, 46 minutes, Texas Premiere

Logline

Despite all odds, a group of inmates in Michigan join a Bachelor's degree program, in order to change their lives –– and change the system.

Synopsis

Behind Our Walls tells the story of a group of inmates in Michigan, as they seek a college education behind bars through the Calvin Prison Initiative.
This feature-length documentary demonstrates the resilience and determination of men behind bars, many of whom have been incarcerated for decades and many of whom have life sentences. Despite their differences in class, race, age, and religion, and the conflicts that arise from these differences, these men find the ability to overcome and build a strong community in an institution once known as “Gladiator School.” Behind Our Walls shows that all people are deserving of a second chance, no matter what they’ve done.

Nathan Roels

Bio:

Nathan Roels is a filmmaker from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He currently owns and operates Second Mile Video, which serves non-profits, ministries, businesses, and individuals through video production. He has a special passion for documentary filmmaking, especially with a focus on criminal justice reform. His documentaries have won various awards, and have been screened all over the country, and internationally. He is married, and has two young sons: a 2-year-old, and a 3-month-old, as well as a pug named Nacho.