Why work with prisoners

Victor Frankl is one of the most inspirational historical prisoners for me. He discovered that his very survival as a human being in the death camps was due to living each day as a choice. Not simply as a physical animal trying to survive using his wits, but going further as a conscious human amongst others, making choices about where to focus his attention and how this may effect his will to live.

For me working with the medium of film and health in UK prisons it isn't such a life and death choice. I can pack up and go home each day to a safe home.

For others though the resources needed to survive prison, safety, food, shelter, etc are essential part of daily life. With few exceptions staff within UK prisons do a really decent job to protect prisoners and ensure their sentences are completed without unacceptable treatment or suffering.

Part of our work is about acknowledging this care relationship and how it can have a transforming effect on offender's attitudes.

I feel privileged when prisoners and staff are willing to open up and share their difficulties and solutions on camera and agree to work with our charity Positive Images.

We may make films that focus upon getting the most out of time spent inside as an opportunity to access counseling or health services. Prisoner's offer each other encouragement to vent anger, join self help programmes.

I'm witness to a hidden pocket of humanity and society where shame and blame have been replaced by a process of thinking about how other's may grow and change as a result of shared experiences. This in turn leads to a sense of dignity and decency between everyone involved.

This first blog is posted to open a dialogue on our ongoing process.

Please feel free to offer insights, objections, affirmations etc.

Martin Gill. June 21.2009