PopHorror Let's Get Scared
It has always been tempting to paint the world in black and white when it comes to crime: do the crime, do the time. But exactly goes on behind the fences and razor wire of a prison like San Quentin? What if prisoners were offered something other than the chance to become better criminals? These are the questions explored in the sobering documentary directed by Christine Yoo (Wedding Palace): 26.2 to Life.
26.2 To Life Synopsis
Behind the walls of San Quentin State Prison, three men sentenced to life in prison for murder undertake running a marathon on a quest for redemption and freedom – or something like it.
26.2 to Life follows a group of runners in San Quentin’s 1000 Mile Club, who train with volunteer coaches for an annual marathon every year. The 26.2 mile marathon is run in the prison yard: 105 laps while dodging other inmates. For many of the prisoners, the club gives them not only something to do, but also an attainable goal. It also gives them a family. When they run is the only time they are known by their names, because outside of the 1000 mile club they are only known by their prison numbers.
This is one of those films that everyone should watch, especially lawmakers. If prisons are going to exist, they need to work to rehabilitate prisoners. All of the men featured in the movie were honest about their crimes, and are accepting of the fact that they may never get release. But they all are still trying to be better men. One is a journalist, one is married and has reconnected with his son. But one, Markelle, was released, has a job, and even ran in the Boston Marathon in 2022. Who says dreams can’t come true?
26.2 to Life hits select theaters September 22, 2023, and will have National Virtual Screenings September 29, 2023 through October 1, 2023.
