Returning Citizens

The title of Saffron Cassaday's documentary refers to convicts newly released from prison. The film focuses on a predominantly African-American community in Southeast Washington, D.C., where many residents have been incarcerated at one time or another. Some have managed to move beyond their criminal pasts and make bold new lives—most notably here a local radio show host and a programming director in the mayor's office. Others, however, have not assimilated with the greatest of ease. Problems in finding work, difficulties in re-establishing bonds with families, and efforts to build a new post-prison identity present major challenges, particularly for those who have been behind bars for decades and are now re-emerging into a very different world. Mercifully, these former prisoners are not suffering in silence: outreach programs, support from friends and neighbors, and creative outlets for expressing emotions help to ease problems. Returning Citizens goes to great lengths to praise efforts by President Obama to release prisoners serving lengthy sentences for non-violent offenses, but it does not focus on the lack of federal follow-through to prevent high rates of recidivism. Still, this is an empowering tribute to people who are making the most of second chances. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)