MSO hosts screening of documentary on reentry at House of Correction

MEDFORD, Mass. – The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office recently participated in two screenings of the new documentary Beyond the Wall.  Produced by Northern Light Productions, it was partially filmed inside the Middlesex House of Correction and focuses on the challenges men face following a period of incarceration.

Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian introduced the documentary at its world premiere Sunday, May 1 at the Independent Film Festival Boston.  Prior to that, the documentary was screened for 60 inmates at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction on Tuesday, April 26 as part of National Reentry Week.

“Co-producers Bestor Cram and Jenny Phillips approached me shortly after I came into office, hoping to capture a story about life after incarceration – when everyday speed bumps can quickly become major barriers to successful reentry,” said Sheriff Koutoujian.  “This documentary accurately captures that, as well as the work of those inside and outside the criminal justice system trying to make a difference.”

Phillips said the decision to screen the documentary at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction was meant to underscore the authentic origins of the film.

“Beyond the Wall features personal stories of reentry, relapse, recovery and redemption, and in doing so bears witness to the profound difficulty of rebuilding one’s life after imprisonment,” Jenny Phillips said. “We are grateful to the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office for their involvement with the film, and are excited to premiere it at IFF Boston.”

For more information on Beyond the Wall visit www.beyondthewallfilm.com.

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