In the middle of a packed SXSW schedule this year, I managed to snag an industry seat to a sold-out showing of A24's new film, Sing Sing.I was so glad I did. Sing Sing is a stunner, a film that showcases the power of art to connect and liberate even in the darkest of settings. An exceptionlly human script and sensitive direction allow the cast to shine—and, as it so happens, a lot of these actors are playing versions of themselves, many of them people who were formerly incarcerated. The film follows Divine G (played by a breathtaking Colman Domingo). Divine G is imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit and has been fighting for his freedom for years. Between clemency hearings, he helps lead an acting troupe alongside other incarcerated men, including new member Clarence "Divine Eye" Maclin (playing himself). This is a true story, popularized a few years ago through coverage of the New York "Rehabilitation Through the Arts" program that put on a slightly wacky historical revue called "Breakin' the Mummy's Code" in 2005. But Sing Sing is a much more thoughtful take on the events, focusing on the men at the center of the production. Desira Pesta crafted the film's costumes on a budget, not only for practical reasons, but also as a sort of "method" design that reflected the conditions of the characters, who had to DIY props and costumes for their productions.We chatted with Pesta via Zoom about this important work. Enjoy.Sing Sing was...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Monday, 5 August, 2024