Stories of Life in Solitary Confinement | Short Film Showcase

Cali Bondad and reporter Gabrielle Canon captured the voices of inmates from the Pelican Bay State Prison’s Security Housing Unit (S.H.U.), a supermax security prison located in Del Norte County, California. With rare access, we hear inmates' experiences in the facility. This short documentary, produced by Sister, and article published by Canon on Medium offer a visceral snapshot at how inmates live day by day in solitary confinement.
More about the filmmakers:
Read an article by Gabrielle Canon for Medium, "Ending Inmate Isolation: Inside the Battle to Stop Solitary Confinement in America."

About Short Film Showcase:

Get More National Geographic:

About National Geographic:
National Geographic is the world's premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets you closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what's possible.

Stories of Life in Solitary Confinement | Short Film Showcase

National Geographic

[fuckfunnyvids]

"Thank you for taking the time to hear my voice, because our voices are rarely heard"
That's some hardcore shit right there man.

[stephenl]

I've been in solitary before in CT and it was only 20 days. It felt like an eternity. I am so grateful for my freedom. Just to be around my loved ones... To feel the warmth of my wife. It's amazing. Savor it people.

[andyvelasquez]

I spent 67 days in solitary and was going nuts!!! I couldn't imagine doing years in there!!

[davidsandlin]

I went to prison for drug charges in my early twenties and did 90 days in the hole in Jackson prison inside the old hospital. The worse part of the time I did was the incessant yelling from guys who had lost there minds. They would literally wail all day all night about their hallucinations. Besides the time inside the dog run and shower cage it was lock down. No books No human interaction. Luckily I didnt have any adverse psychological affects but I seen guys go insane in even a few months.

[two-eqpj]

The hapiness that guy had being interviewed for this video exhibit the sadness and how little contact he has within those walls.

[up]

you do hear shit. its so trippy man. specially being a teenager in there.. only did ten days. thats it. felt like a fucking year.

[jamesfarber]

I spent 2 years 8 months in the hole, I also did 15 years on the main line. Over all I have nightmares still to this day from the hole time. I have been out of prison for 5 years now and doing good. I still have a hard time being around people or going to stores . If it was not for my wife I would have locked my self. Am not trying to get any one to feel bad for me. I did a lot of bad things and I deserved prison. Am just saying I feel for they’s men. Thank you 🇺🇸

[ginavieveruiz]

I was in solitary confinement at a mental hospital for 2 weeks, I hated it. I was stuck barely even saw staff. The only sun light I could see was the window on the roof in one of my rooms. It’s made me learn a lot about myself. I’d never wish it on anyone else but it really helped me see myself different and be more grateful of my freedom

[obigboss]

The guy speaking at 0:37 absolutely shook me to my core. I've never heard so much pain in a man's voice.

[kokopuh]

As a sister that lost the ability to hear my brother’s voice due to solitary confinement... Thank You 💜🙏🏽 💜

[rayshaunc]

Please lord don’t ever let me go to jail or prison.

[space]

Makes you appreciate your freedom more.. Damn.

[marthatenorio]

I am currently in a relationship with a gentleman who spent 10 years straight in the pelican bay shu... and the stories I hear I’m surprised that he is able to function as well as he does.. when the spirit is broken on that level it’s life changing and these guy’s require a lot of love and patience... something needs to be done to change the prison system!!!

[carylpark]

It is simply beyond me how this could ever reform someone. It's inhumane.

[Tokes_eth]

please have them write a book please!! that last part really got to me.

[heatherm]

How cruel. No sunlight, no human contact, not even the sight of a blade of grass. Buried alive in concrete.

[thehawk]

the thing that haunts me at night is knowing that there are likely thousands of people now living in solitary who are completely innocent. 😭

[lcplrar]

I have never heard a better speech than the gentleman at the end. He knew when to finish, he had said all he needed and knew he had been understood, thats why he said ok.

[anaregina]

Instead of solitary confinement, lets put them to do productive things to help other people. Give them jobs in jail.

[jamesswanson]

The lights are the worst, 24/7 with the lights on. The screaming and the smells, and the high school age guards. Nobody comes out better, if they come out at all.