By 
★★★★
Starring: #InmatesofStanfordHillHMP and #HardwickeCircus
Directed by: #BenArcher
Short Film Review by: Alexandra James
This short documentary follows a small band from the north of England, on a mission to spread music and passion to prisoners across the UK. Director Ben Archer focuses on the bands message that all of us deserve to have access to the arts world. Music can enlighten and allow people the opportunity to express themselves in an artistic way, it can be difficult to share your inner deepest thoughts and fears, but with music there is a platform that allows people to have a voice and turn it into something positive where others can connect as well as take solace in the fact that they are not alone. Lead singer of Hardwicke Circus, Jonny Foster, creates a music workshop at Stanford Hill HMP, a men’s prison on the Isle of Sheppey. Ben Archer captures the band interacting with the inmates and the uplifting jam session that inspire and encourage many.
This was a very moving film that highlights the importance of giving back to the community, and the necessity of art. People may debate as to whether prisoners should be deserving of live bands performing for them or being able to play and share their talents to others. However, there are so many benefits to this and with this documentary, it shows how powerful music can be and allows the inmates to express themselves, channel their emotions and look to the future. The documentary shows singer Jonny Foster share his thoughts over the whole concept, he states that inmates have discussed with him how to get into the music industry and about life on the road. It shows that there is something else to focus on and strive towards.
Hardwicke Circus: The Prison Gig showed great moments of the band playing and bringing on inmates on stage to showcase their talent. Many of the inmates were able to just forget where they were for a moment and just be a part of something bigger and enjoy a break from the mundane routine. Ben Archer uses the ‘gonzo’ style of filmmaking which is in some of his other pieces of work. It’s a type of fly-on-the-wall documentary. It makes for a very raw film and shows the audience the connection and positivity between the band and inmates. Ben Archer has been able to feature the good work Hardwicke Circus have been able to achieve by spreading their love of music to others who may not have envisioned this as an option outside of prison.
