New HBO Doc ‘Solitary’ Goes Inside Supermax Prison

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There are currently 44 state and federal prisons in America classified as "supermax" prisons. These prisons house their entire incarcerated population in solitary confinement.

As "black sites," supermax prisons have been off-limits to the public and the press.

Until now.

Premiering on HBO Monday, February 6 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, "Solitary: Inside Red Onion State Prison" takes viewers behind the walls of this supermax prison in Virginia to discover what solitary confinement is really like.

SOLITARY: INSIDE RED ONION PRISON

Directed by Kristi Jacobson, known for her intimate and provocative films that reveal nuanced individuals and communities, "Solitary" seeks to bring awareness and transparency to the issue of solitary confinement in America.

This revealing and moving portrait of life in solitary confinement includes stories from corrections officers and prisoner reflections.

"In God's eyes every life is worthy of dignity and love," says James Ackerman, president and chief executive officer for Prison Fellowship®. "'Solitary' brings to light the human nature of these men held in isolation often for years on end, affecting their mental state. The film also highlights the effort the state of Virginia is making to provide some a pathway to return to normal incarceration."

SOLITARY CONFINEMENT IN AMERICA

Today, the United States holds more than 80,000 men, women, and adolescents in solitary confinement and supermax prisons.

Many prisoners are placed in solitary confinement for either the safety of the general population or for their own protection. However, reports indicate that solitary confinement does not reduce prison violence. Plus, prisoners who transition out of solitary and reenter society see a higher rate of recidivism.

HBO-Solitary

SOLITARY: Inside Red Onion State Prison (HBO)

GET INVOLVED

Share the Word

Share the trailer for "Solitary" on social media with your friends and family. Be sure to include the hashtag #SolitaryDoc.

Host a Viewing Party

Host a home viewing party during the broadcast premiere. Lead a discussion with the official "Solitary" discussion guide, available for download here.

Visit a Prison or Jail in Your Community

Go online to your state's Department of Corrections website to find a facility in your community and request a visit.

Follow 'Solitary' Online

"Solitary" is on Facebook and Twitter and uses the hashtag #SolitaryDoc. Find more information about the documentary at its official website.

Volunteer with Prison Fellowship

Get involved with prison ministry. Volunteer with Prison Fellowship and become a part of prison reform.