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Deep Dive: Rikers (2016)

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Rikers
Rikers Island Jail in New York City serves as the setting for personal narratives from former detainees, presented by Bill Moyers. The documentary focuses on the violence and control exerted by both inmates and corrections officers within the facility. It examines the psychological effects of solitary confinement and the brutality of the incarceration system. Through firsthand accounts, the film reveals the traumatic experiences faced by individuals at Rikers, illustrating the harsh realities of life in one of the United States' most notorious jails. The documentary addresses systemic corruption and the impact of mass incarceration on the lives of those detained.

Why Watch

  • •Meet former detainees sharing their personal stories.
  • •Find out about the brutality of solitary confinement.
  • •See the impact of systemic corruption in jails.

Did You Know

•Rikers Island is known for extreme violence among inmates and guards.
•The documentary features personal stories from multiple former detainees.
•Solitary confinement is shown to have significant psychological effects.

Perfect For

Criminal justice reformPrison system studiesHuman rights advocacy