Scribe Video Center will be screening Songs from the Hole (USA, 2024, 106 minutes)

At 15, he took a life. Three days later, his brother’s life was taken. A moving chronicle of forgiveness, family, and the transformative power of art, Songs From the Hole weaves music and mixed-media storytelling into an innovative documentary visual album.

Through clear-eyed narration and lyrical journal entries, incarcerated musician James “JJ’88” Jacobs reveals his innermost struggles as a person who has both committed and experienced violent harm. While serving a double-life prison sentence, he searches for healing and peace as he comes of age in this documentary-musical odyssey composed behind bars.

Contessa Gayles is an award-winning film director, writer, DP, editor, and Emmy-nominated producer. She tells stories about identity, movement, healing, Black liberation, and the radical imagination. Her feature documentary-visual album, Songs From the Hole, world premiered at SXSW 2024 winning the Audience Award, Visions category.

Guests Expected: Director Contessa Gayles is expected to attend