SING SING, the feature film based on RTA, was the buzz of the Toronto International Film Festival, landing distribution deal with A24 production company

Actor Colman Domingo plays the real-life RTA alum, Divine G, in the feature film based on RTA

From the red carpet to a distribution deal with A24. Sing Sing, the film based on RTA, was a triumph at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this month! The film was produced independently of RTA.

The world premiere concluded with a 4-minute standing ovation from the audience and a talkback with the cast, including several RTA alumni who acted in the film. The men spoke of the importance of RTA's program while incarcerated and how it changed their lives forever.

"RTA was Sing Sing's best kept secret for years. [With this film], I'm so glad the world will know about it." - Sean Dino Johnson, RTA alumnus, Board member & actor in "Sing Sing"

Want to hear more? Join us for our annual gala where actors from the film speak about their experience. Details below.

The cast and filmmakers are applauded at the world premiere of Sing Sing

Praise for the film:

"Sing Sing presents a vibrant tapestry, highlighting the lighter moments in the otherwise shadowed confines of incarceration. At the heart of this is the Rehabilitation Through The Arts (RTA) program. An oasis in the desert of the penal system, RTA illuminates the film’s central theme: that even behind bars, the spirit can soar, uninhibited, into the expanses of imagination and creativity." - Valerie Complex, Deadline

Read more reviews and press coverage HERE.

Festival red carpet highlights with Emmy Award winner, Colman Domingo, RTA alums Clarence "Divine Eye" Maclin, John "Divine G" Whitfield, Sean Dino Johnson, JJ Velazquez, former teaching artist Brent Buell, RTA Board member Karin Young Shiel, the filmmakers and producers:

The cast of Sing Sing on set. The majority of the actors in the film are alumni of RTA's program.

Background:

Sing Sing portrays the story of a friendship formed between two men as they stage an original play behind bars. Based on RTA’s theater workshop, the film gives a glimpse into the lives of those incarcerated and the transformational power of the arts and community. 

The film stars Emmy Award winner, Colman Domingo; RTA alumnus, Clarence "Divine Eye" Maclin; and Academy Award nominee, Paul Raci. Written by Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar with help from RTA alumni Maclin and Whitfield. Directed by Greg Kwedar.

Read more about the film and the inspiration behind it HERE.

What's next for the film and RTA?

A24 film studio is planning for a 2024 public release. Stay tuned for opportunities to view the film.

In the meantime, join us for insider details about the film at our upcoming gala on October 12, 2023 from 6-10pm!

We will present a special video message from Colman Domingo with remarks from RTA alumni featured in the film.

Space is limited! Buy your ticket TODAY!