Barriers in Bertie is an eye-opening documentary about a little-discussed topic: inmates with physical and neurodiverse disabilities. The personal stories are moving and the statistics offered are shocking, bringing to light the systemic inequities and lack of adequate accommodations within the correctional system that are often overlooked. The documentary is straightforward and hard-hitting about the complexities involved in advocating for inmates with disabilities, forcing the viewer to ask hard questions about the ethical responsibilities of the criminal justice system in providing equitable care and support.
While Barriers in Bertie offers important and informative content, there were some stylistic hiccups. The reliance on text-to-speech software for the voiceovers and the occasional use of unrelated stock footage can be distracting, making the film feel more like a report than a traditional documentary, and its tone and pacing are reminiscent of USCSB YouTube videos. Given the subject matter, a different approach might have been more effective.
Nevertheless, the value of this documentary is clear, especially in the second half when inmates with disabilities give their testimony about the living conditions and rights violations they experienced in prison. This film would make a solid addition to collections focused on social justice, criminal justice reform, and disability advocacy. It invites viewers to consider the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure that all inmates receive the support and accommodations they deserve, making it an essential viewing experience for those committed to building a more inclusive society. For all these reasons, academic collections should look more closely at this title than public libraries. Optional Purchase.