Experiencing Interruptions?

The Light They Cast

*The Light They Cast* chronicles the journey of eight men as they navigate the complex realities of reentry after incarceration. These individuals bravely share their experiences, shedding light on the often-overlooked challenges they face upon reentering society. The documentary provides an unflinching look at their struggles, from their first week out of prison to moments of triumph as they achieve sobriety, secure employment, and rebuild their lives.

At the heart of these stories is Project 180, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing poverty, homelessness, unemployment, and criminal behavior by offering crucial support to justice-involved individuals. Through Project 180, these men find the guidance and community they need to succeed, proving that with the right resources and a network of people who believe in them, they can overcome the stigma and barriers that often accompany their pasts.

*The Light They Cast* is more than just a documentary; it is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the impact of compassion and understanding. The film seeks to challenge societal perceptions of formerly incarcerated individuals and emphasizes the importance of giving second chances.

  • Janice Shelton
    Writer
  • Janice Shelton
    Producer
  • Miles Larsen
    Photographer and Editor
  • Barbara Richards
    Executive Producer
  • John Scalzi
    Narrator
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    human interest, social justice, criminal justice, educational
  • Runtime:
    50 minutes 20 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 26, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16.9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Private Press Screening
    SARASOTA
    United States
    September 28, 2024
    Private Press Screening
  • Stronger Voices
    SARASOTA
    United States
    October 11, 2024
    Stronger Voices -- Project 180 Donor Event
Director Biography

Miles Larsen is a Sarasota native, a videographer, and filmmaker with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida and a Master of Fine Arts from Florida State University. For the past 25 years, he’s had the privilege of working for the City of Sarasota, capturing and sharing the stories of his beloved community. While he’s been honored with numerous awards for his work, his true fulfillment comes from connecting with people and bringing their stories to life.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

What if you decided that the adversity you’ve faced, the mistakes you’ve made, weren’t things to be overcome? What if your mistakes were fuel? What if you embraced your adversity and accepted it as part of your journey? What would that require? It would take courage, of course, and lots of it. But the essential piece of this puzzle is authenticity. The honesty of the men in this documentary is breathtaking. They hold nothing back. They are resilient, hopeful, and utterly accountable. They’re not fearless; they simply face their fears, draw strength from their “family” and proceed. This kind of bravery is more than inspiring, it’s life-changing. In my mind, this is less a documentary and more of a super hero movie. It’s Mission Impossible. They jump out of planes every single day and through their absolutely unstoppable faith in themselves and the family that they’ve created, they join hands and find ways to land safely and then do it again the next day. I’m forever grateful for the privilege of being able to tell their stories and I hope that people who watch this see others (and themselves) with a little less judgment and a little more love.