Inthrive Film Festival: The Power of Education in Prison

About this event

Experience the transformative power of education in prison in two films then here from Virginians about their education journey in prison. Join us at VCU on Thursday, October 1, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM for the Inthrive Film Festival’s "Power of Education in Prison" program. This compelling session features two powerful documentaries exploring how higher education transforms lives both inside and outside the justice system: • Behind Our Walls: Inside a notorious Michigan prison, incarcerated men serving long and life sentences pursue degrees through the Calvin Prison Initiative. The film captures their profound resilience as they overcome deep racial, class, and generational divides to forge a unified brotherhood—proving that education can transform an environment built on punishment into a sanctuary of rehabilitation and second chances. • Inside Scholars: This inspiring documentary follows three formerly incarcerated individuals—Nurudeen, Nichole, and Kay—who discovered their limitless potential through college programs behind bars. Chronicling their transition back into society, the film highlights their extraordinary successes as community advocates, mentors, and students, demonstrating how access to learning inside is a vital catalyst for economic mobility and lasting impact on the outside.