Processing

"Processing" is a short hybrid film that merges the grit of documentary storytelling with the expressive power of dance in the structure of a narrative to explore the untold stories of women of color awaiting release from prison. Through the lens of Sky, a woman sitting in a holding cell that doubles as a therapy room, the film invites viewers into a haunting, reflective journey. Sky confronts the echoes of her past—both the light and the dark—while preparing to reenter a world that may not be ready for her.

The narrative is woven with the real voices of Lessa, Precious, and Shani, whose lived experiences amplify Sky’s story. Two evocative dance sequences, set against stark visuals of graffiti-laden concrete rooms, decaying prison cells, abandoned warehouses, and a hollow classroom, visualize the entanglement of the prison, healthcare, and education systems.

Through the persistent mantra, “Don’t get silent,” Processing highlights the bravery required to speak up in a world where safety and protection are not guaranteed. The film ultimately serves as a call to action: See the system, change the system, abolish the system. It urges communities to create brave spaces where women can share their truths, craft equitable solutions, and dismantle the cycles of harm that make re-entry such a formidable challenge.