"Sing Sing": A Special Film Screening and Community Conversation

When: 
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 -
3:00pm to 6:00pm EST
Where: 
Philanthropy New York 320 East 43rd Street
Members of PNY & Partner Orgs: 
$0.00
Non-Members: 
$150.00
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The Legal Aid Society and Philanthropy New York invite you to a special screening of A24's acclaimed film "Sing Sing." This moving true story follows Divine G, a man wrongfully convicted and imprisoned at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, who discovers purpose and resilience by participating in a theater program offered inside. He and his fellow actors, in a defiant act of creativity, stage their own original comedy. "Sing Sing" powerfully illustrates the transformative power of community and art within the prison system and features a remarkable cast of formerly incarcerated actors who bring their lived experiences to the screen.  

After the screening, please join us for an engaging discussion with John “Divine G” Whitfield himself, alongside advocates from Legal Aid Society and the philanthropic community. This conversation will explore how art can inspire hope and change within the limitations of the prison system. You'll also gain insights into the complexities of the legal system and learn how Legal Aid Society is providing crucial legal support today as they approach their 150th anniversary. Finally, we'll examine how philanthropy is ensuring that vital services like those of Legal Aid Society and programs inside prisons are accessible to those who encournter the criminal legal system. 

What will you learn? 

  • The power of art to inspire hope and change, even within the confines of prison. 

  • The critical role of organizations like The Legal Aid Society in fighting for justice and advocating for the rights of those impacted by the legal system. 

  • How philanthropy can support pre-trial services and vital programs within prisons to help break cycles of incarceration and create a more just and equitable society.  

Speakers 

  • John “Divine G” Whitfield, Title, Organization (Linked)  

  • Name, Title, Legal Aid Society

  • Name, Title, Organization (Linked)  

  • Name (Moderator), Title, Organization (Linked)  

Who should attend? 

All interested funders in grantmaking, criminal legal reform, arts, public policy, and related roles. What to expect: film screening (1 hour, 47 minutes runtime) followed by panel discussion and Q&A. 

How do you sign up?  

3 PM to 6 PM Program 

This is an in-person event. Please plan to arrive 15-30 minutes before the program starts and be prepared to show your ID at the registration table. Space is limited and will be on a first come, first served basis. 

Members: To register yourself and/or a colleague at your organization, please log in and click the “Register Now” link above. (No fee.)   

Guests of Collaborators: Please email Ariane Cruz with your name, title, organizational affiliation, business mailing address, and phone number. Please indicate by which organizer you were invited. (No fee.)

Non-Member Funders: Please email register@philanthropynewyork.org. ($150 fee.) 

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