Due to popular demand here’s a sneak preview of the film, “The Road from Crime” – http://vimeo.com/43519157
Let us know what you think.
The film will be available to purchase from July, and will be freely available to download in September. Details of how to buy/download will be posted here shortly. Not long to go!
This film evokes powerful feelings and emotions as you are struck by the tragedy of individuals caught up in the ‘system’ but also of the society in which we live.
It does however give hope and a way forward to challenge the current ineffective way we treat some of the most vulnerable people in our society. It reminded me again of why I trained to be a probation officer. This film (and Allan’s book) teach an aspect of practice that the textbooks can only allude to. Thank you.
Many thanks for the positive feedback Kay. Your reaction is exactly the one that we hoped to evoke.
Thanks much for the sneak preview: it has left me wanting to see the rest of it. Moved by the authenticity of Allan’s account: ‘getting into character’ as a young boy; the ‘educational’ (!) experiences of a young lad in Barlinnie; the slashed face of his15 year old self still somewhat evident on the cheek of the probation officer he is today; and the contrast between the life-course patterns of himself and his childhood pal. Looking forward to being able to order and watch the full film.
Thanks, Ros, Andy and Isabel for your comments. The production of the DVDs is now well in hand (and you’ll be able to brush up your french, spanish, german and suomi (finnish for those not in the know)) whilst watching as we’ve had the film translated into these languages. We’ll post again soon with details of how to get hold of the DVD.
All the best,
Steve
Really looking forwards to seeing the full film – if this preview is anything to go by it will become essential viewing for anyone involved with criminology and criminal justice.
Wow, this is really powerful stuff, and certainly makes me want to see the whole film too. I’m quite new to this area, so was shocked by the astonishing stat that 30% of people entering prison are already homeless. But of course its hearing directly from people who have been there and in some cases are still there, that gives this clip its power. The obvious solution of asking those who have stopped offending what has got them to that point brings a refreshing perspective. Looking forward to the full version.
Even in this short excerpt . . . Allan’s natural quality of ‘ interested neutrality ‘ when he listens to other people talk about their experiences . . . is written all over his face. I look forward to seeing the whole film this evening.
Whatever stares us in the face ~ is often the most difficult thing to see clearly.
I am curious about any approach that simply looks at what people have done naturally to transcend a difficult situation and enquire whether this approach can clear a path for others. One key element in this process comes across in the film: that it needs to be a genuine, voluntary choice for anyone to engage. Wherever our ‘ freewill ‘ lives inside us ~ needs, somehow, to be touched on in order for anything good to happen . . . right ? . . . and the ingrained cultural attitudes within the walls of our people ‘ containers ‘ seems to have little room for the notion of allowing or supporting anyone to make a ‘ free ‘ choice about anything. I am always interested in the ‘ gaps ‘ in our systems ~ where the good stuff has a little breathing space to form. For me ~ it is the quality in Allan’s ‘ Listening ‘ and anyone who would follow in his footsteps . . . that may make a difference.
Brilliant points, all. Now that you’ve had a chance to see the film, I’d be curious to hear your reactions. Shadd