(left) Group leader, Sal, speaks of how the writing program deeply changed lives inside RJD; photo by Lori Sutton. (right) Prisoners in RJD work with SDSU students in innovative writing program in maximum security in RJD prison; photo by Paul Sutton.)

For this installment of Downtown at Sundown, join us for an evening of film and conversation. We will be featuring a screening of the film Straight from the Pen, directed by SDSU Emeritus Faculty, Paul Sutton and co-directed by Lori Sutton. The film explores the realities of the prison system and how creative writing can be a tool for rehabilitation. Twenty-four prisoners come face-to-face with a dozen college students on a maximum-security prison yard. The writing that emerges is life changing, as prisoners trade the alienation, disaffection, and violence for openness and honesty. Though their often-intimate collaboration, both groups find hope and humanity in a place where they expected neither.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A conversation with Robert Gullett and Kevin Howerton, and others who are featured in the film.

Schedule for the evening:

Screening at 6:15 pm
Q&A Conversation at 7:15pm

Film Trailer

Downtown at Sundown is in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCASD) on the third Thursday of every month from 5 to 8 p.m. Neighborhood restaurants including Aaharn Thai, Carnivore, Waters, and The Stone Brewing Company Store will stay open late.
Check MCASD website for details about each month’s activities.