First degree

Resource Information

The work First degree represents a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in Bates College. This resource is a combination of several types including: Work, Moving Image, Visual Materials.

Label

First degree

Statement of responsibility

produced & directed by Roger Weisberg ; written by John Fugelsang and Roger Weisberg ; a production of Public Policy Productions

Contributor

• Weisberg, Roger
• Public Policy Productions, Inc
• Fugelsang, John, 1969-

Director

• Weisberg, Roger

Host

• Fugelsang, John, 1969-

Producer

• Weisberg, Roger

Production company

• Public Policy Productions, Inc

Screenwriter

• Weisberg, Roger
• Fugelsang, John, 1969-

Subject

• Prisoners -- Education (Higher) -- New York (State)
• Prisoners -- New York (State)
• Recidivism -- New York (State) -- Prevention
• Sing Sing Correctional Facility
• Documentary films
• Nonfiction films

Genre

• Nonfiction films
• Documentary films

Language

eng

Summary

Nationwide, nearly half of released inmates return to prison within 5 years. First Degree takes viewers inside Sing Sing Prison, one of the nation's most infamous maximum-security prisons, and presents a remarkable program that has dropped the recidivism rate to under 2%. Mercy College has partnered with the prison to provide an opportunity for inmates to earn a college degree, and with it, an entirely new life upon release. This inspiring documentary introduces us to the inmates who are actively choosing to change their life paths by participating in the college program, including convicted murderers and gang members who have now become role models for other inmates. First Degree shows how the diploma these men earn is far more than just a piece of paper; it is a second chance at life itself

Awards note

• Won 2015 Tiburon International Film Festival Golden Reel Award, Best Short
• Won 2015 Worldfest-Houston Remi Gold Award, Social/Economic Issues
• Won 2015 Ojai Film Festival, Best Documentary Short

Cataloging source

VaAlASP

Characteristic

videorecording

Language note

In English

Runtime

25

Target audience

adult