Is it possible to become a better mother while serving time in a maximum security prison?
This is a seemingly impossible question, a contradiction in terms. But a very relevant question though – because 80% of female prisoners in the US are mothers of school-age children.
Filmmaker Jenifer McShane addresses this question in her latest film, Mothers of Bedford. McShane spent 4 years visiting mothers in Bedford Hills prison, and following their families. The film examines the staggering power of the mother-child relationship, and explores the effects of a long-term prison sentence on that relationship.
The film shows the struggles and joys of five women – prisoners and mothers. It shows the normal frustrations of parenting, as well as the surreal experiences of a child’s first birthday party inside prison, the cell that child lives in with her mother, and the biggest celebration of the year, Mother’s Day in prison.
You can read more about this great film, and take action!
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