REVIEWS
Tufts University Said
Screening In Her Shoes at Tufts University was one of the most important things we have done to educate people about both the causes and impact of incarceration on women in particular. This beautiful film shows us without flinching the harm of both childhood sexual assault and intimate partner violence and how these experiences can lead directly to incarceration, compounding the trauma these women experience. At the same time, In Her Shoes tackles this difficult subject with love, empowering the mostly incarcerated women in the film as speakers, writers, and artists able to tell their own stories and thus to enact their own form of resistance and healing.
Hilary Binda , Ph.d
Founding Director, Tufts University Prison Initiative of Tisch College;
Director, Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
“A powerful film that reminds the viewer that female inmates, regardless of their crime, are simply people like the rest of us with struggles, regrets, hopes and dreams. I highly recommend the film as a terrific tool for educating – law enforcement, corrections professionals, social workers, teachers. Uplifting for incarcerated women.”
– Christina Melton Crain, Esq.
Founder and President/CEO – Unlocking DOORS
“A moving , authentic and realistic depiction of women in prison. Reveals the complexities of their lives – their struggles, their hopes and their dreams.”
– Mary Ellen Mastrorilli, Boston University
“ …provides a window into lives often unseen and invites viewers to consider the conditions that shape the experiences of women in prison. The powerful stories of women should move us to demand a world that invests in care not cages.” –Caren Holmes, Reentry Program Columiba University
“…reveals the humanity of these ladies without judgment. I highly recommend this movie to all.” –Sherida Devine, MNM, MSW Prison Education Program, College of Southern Nevada
“… promotes awareness about the plight of and growing number of incarcerated women in Texas. The documentary is proof that one person can change the lives of many….. brought hope and healing into the lives of these women.”
Pam Parkman Thomure, Executive Director, Empowering Women Out Of Prison
“It made me see incarcerated women in a new way. I heard their voices and saw them as Women -mothers, daughters and wives.” – Ann Pascal, at the Unlocking Door Reentry Symposium
“I have been working in the prison system for over 20 years and after viewing this film I cried. I realized I never saw these women as the people they are. This film humanizes people in jail.” – Officer Reyes, Dallas County Jail
“This film reveals and celebrates incarcerated women’s intimate, personal journeys through shoes, and the unleashing of their “art spirit.” These women experienced the inner freedom gained through the discipline and rewards of art–in their case, through drawing their shoes of the past, present, and imagined future–leading to an understanding of self. The act of drawing shoes and telling their heartfelt life stories brings alive their womanhood, dreams, and humanity. This film should be seen by all those active in reforming the criminal (un)justice system, prison arts programs, political leaders, and the general public.”
– Dr. Lawrence Brewster, Emeritus Professor, University of San Francisco
“Amazing. Inspirational. Truth in a new form. Soul to Sole Shoes provide a new connection to bring forth the stories of past and healing. As I sit in my purple Uggs, I think of shoes of my past that no longer serve who I am. I am in awe of your work and what you have created.” – Chaplain Bonnie Leopold
“IN HER SHOES offers a deeply moving insight into
the lives, hopes, and plans of a diverse group of incarcerated women, as told through their shoes. While the jail-issued shoes they wear now are ugly and ill-fitting, the shoes they draw allow these women to tell their stories, highlighting their struggles and aspirations. This film would be an outstanding addition to college classrooms in sociology, anthropology, psychology, criminology, and gender studies.” – Beth Rushing
President, Appalachian College Association Nevada
“A powerful documentary that shows the humanity of the forgotten women inside prison Reveals how women’s trauma can take them down a wrong path, but doesn’t dictate who they’re going to be . We all walk in a pair of shoes that change in style . People change too.”
– Lynn Sullivan, a Voice for the Incarcerated
“I loved IN HER SHOES! The stories the women tell are honest, excruciating, and ultimately hopeful. As it turns out, shoes can be a great vehicle for exploring past traumas.” – Peter Merts, photographer in California prison arts programs
“IN HER SHOES shines a light on the humanity of women who have been incarcerated and uplifts their voices to ring in the ears of the general public. By watching this film, we see firsthand the human potential that has been disregarded but will one day rejoin and enhance our communities.”
– Meg Tavares, Petey Greene