Private Project

The Building Block

Prison can be dark... but the Building Block is an inmate-led initiative changing lives through mentorship, peer education, and art.

  • Phil Gioja
    Director
    The Old Courthouse, The Phoenix: Hope is Rising, V for Vulnerable, The Building Block, Forgiveness
  • Dale A. DeNeal, Ph.D.
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 16 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 7, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    2,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    1920x1080 30p
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Phil Gioja

Fueled by a passion for storytelling and helping others from a young age, Phil Gioja crafts short and feature documentary films sharing glimpses of hope and goodness with others.

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Director Statement

"The Building Block" is important to me because it shows that anyone can be a positive thought leader, anyone can have a healthy influence on others, no matter who you are. It shows the power of mentorship and encourages me to see hope in others even when they may not be able to see it in themselves. It's a film about heart transformation in unlikely places.