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:
    45 minutes 42 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 26, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16.9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • 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

I didn’t make this film because I had a grant. I wasn’t paid. There was no crew, no production office—just me, an iPhone, and a group of men trying to stay alive on the outside.

Most people wouldn’t call that a documentary. But I kept showing up. I kept filming. Not because I knew where it was going, but because the most powerful stories were happening off-camera—quietly, awkwardly, in halfway houses and unglamorous backrooms.

As someone who walked alongside these men—not as a social worker, but as a human being—I knew their stories had been flattened by mugshots and statistics. The Light They Cast was my attempt to hand the frame back to them.

There’s a narrator in this film, but no one’s speaking for them. No emotional manipulation. Just truth in its rawest form: funny, flawed, and fully alive.

We’ve all felt like we needed a second chance. Some of us just needed someone to pick up the phone.