SONGS FROM THE HOLE
Directed by Contessa Gayles.
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.
In a unique creative process, director Contessa Gayles collaborated with protagonist/writer JJ’88 and producer/music producer richie reseda to interweave the collective storytelling of the film’s non-fiction participants, with imagined memories, dreams and spiritual dialogues set to JJ’88’s original music. The result is a powerful mix of truth-telling and dreaming that reveal the potential for healing and liberation within us all.
Co-presented by Roxbury International Film Festival. Sponsored by Salem Human Rights Coalition, Oh Snap! Photo Booth Studio, Titlecard Music & Sound, and Sonesta Select Boston Danvers.
About Salem Film Festival
Since 2007, Salem Film Fest (SFF) has brought the world's best independent documentaries and their makers to Boston's North Shore. Now the largest international documentary film festival in Massachusetts, the event annually presents features, shorts and special events to a loyal audience of thousands. The festival is mostly run by volunteers through a non-profit entity, Salem Community Arts Center, Inc.
The 18th annual Salem Film Film will take place March 27-30, 2025, with filmmaker Q&As, parties, and other special events. The annual Program Reveal took place on March 2, 2025. Tickets for SFF 2025 are on sale beginning Monday March 3, 2025.
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