"Fresno, as well as several other cities in california, have seen a rise is crime due to the overpopulation of prisons." (From "Prison Blues," Keep It Reel Productions)
...It's a headline all too familiar in the San Joaquin Valley.
Local law enforcement agencies have had their hands full fighting crimes committed by repeat offenders.
One of the focal points of reducing the recidivism rate has been to offer the right kind of rehabilitative support for criminals getting out of jail.
It's part of the message delivered by Jeff McCray's "Prison Blues."
"It's what's going on right now in our community. The San Joaquin Valley is a prison industry community."
The film is about a man getting out of prison, and trying to reintegrate into society.
"I didn't realize that when you do time, your whole family suffers with you." (From "Prison Blues," Keep It Reel Productions)
Sadon Scott plays "Leroy Jenkins," and says it was a challenge to show just how hard it is to get onto the right path.
He's hoping the film will raise awareness for a problem that the cast and crew believes could be more efficiently addressed.
"We want the families and friends to support those that get out, to know that they're trying hard. Support them to get back on the right road."
Sure, it's a short film, but the premier played out like a feature-length hollywood celebration.
Director Jeff McCray's father, Jessie, says his son got into filmmaking in high school, and is now living out a dream.
"I'm proud of him. I wish they would've had me in the movie. I would've been the godfather!"
McCray's hometown premier was a one-night-only event.
But Keep It Reel Productions has more projects on the way.
In the meantime, you can check out the trailer for "Prison Blues." Just click on Newslinks.
TXT 24
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