Since I Been Down
Since I Been Down is an award-winning documentary by Gilda Sheppard. The film explores how policies rooted in racism and fear — sentencing children to life in prison without the possibility of parole — resulted in the disposal of a generation of Black and brown youth in the State of Washington.
Since I Been Down features Kimonti Carter and his peers, whose stories illustrate the conditions that lead children to gang violence, the personal transformation that is possible through accountability and healing, and the liberatory power of education. The film focuses on T.E.A.C.H., a prisoner-led higher-education program founded by Kimonti and credited with improving cultural relations and reducing violence at Washington State prisons.
Since its release, Since I Been Down has been selected to 16 film festivals and won several awards, including the Impact Docs! Award of Excellence. Kimonti has spoken on numerous panels at festivals and other screenings, with panelists such as activist Angela Davis, author adrienne maree brown, and King County Prosecuting Attorneys Dan Satterberg and Carla Lee.
Watch Since I Been Down on SundanceNow.
VOD rentals and DVD purchases are available on iTunes, Apple TV, YouTube TV, Amazon, Google Play, and Vodu.
“I hope that all of you have seen the amazing film SINCE I BEEN DOWN. If you are not convinced of the liberatory potential of education, I guarantee you will be transformed after seeing this film!”
Since I Been Down is also an impact campaign promoting transformative and restorative justice through storytelling and education. The three campaign goals are increasing awareness of brain development science, revisiting state sentencing laws, and amplifying prisoner-initiated programs.
