In the far north of California sits the Pelican Bay supermax prison. Surrounded by looming redwoods and secretive foothills, Pelican Bay became a showpiece for both reality and fiction after it opened in 1989. Numerous examples of the isolation and control methods first pioneered by this cutting-edge penitentiary have been replicated across the world, as well as in the silver screen and video games. Often not highlighted in this technological and carceral marvel is the undue cruelty felt by prisoners kept in solitary confinement for years—or decades, in some cases. Many of these men had committed no additional offense: one man kept in solitary for almost forty years was put there because he had drawn a Mayan figure while entertaining himself in his cell during downtime. Discussing the events of the strike with California Department of Corrections representatives and strike leaders, The Strike seeks to highlight the necessity for prison reform in regard to solitary confinement.
Selected for Best Documentary at the Hot Docs Student Choice Awards and Cine Las Americas Audience Awards, The Strike is a must-have documentary for any collection seeking new and impressive content about incarceration or collective action. Even outside these topics, anyone who enjoys documentary filmmaking will be struck by the skill and craft that went into the production of this massive documentary. The filmmaking itself is fantastic, and the way the story of this 2013 hunger strike unfolds will be instantly compelling to most viewers. Those interested in true crime will also want to see The Strike for the way it turns the genre on its head, focusing on the crimes against humanity doled out extrajudicially by the State of California Department of Corrections based on bad, outdated profiling and societal racism. For its incredible style and impactful message, The Strike would be a welcome addition to any library collection. Highly Recommended. Editor’s Choice.
What makes The Strike a must-watch prison reform documentary?
The Strike offers a searing, deeply human look at one of the largest prison hunger strikes in U.S. history, staged by inmates at California’s notorious Pelican Bay State Prison. Through gripping interviews with incarcerated men, Department of Corrections officials, and advocates, the film powerfully reveals the psychological and physical toll of long-term solitary confinement.
Why should academic libraries include this incarceration documentary in their collection?
Academic libraries should consider The Strike an essential resource for programs in Criminal Justice, Law, Sociology, Ethnic Studies, and Human Rights. The film provides not only a detailed case study of the 2013 California prison hunger strike, but also a lens into broader themes like institutional racism, carceral ethics, and the impact of solitary confinement on mental health. Its interview-driven format and primary-source testimonies make it ideal for sparking classroom discussions and research on prison reform and collective resistance. Additionally, The Strike supports interdisciplinary learning by touching on public policy and constitutional rights. For educators looking to enhance curricula with real-world examples of activism and systemic critique, this documentary is a valuable teaching tool and a powerful addition to any library’s collection on incarceration and reform.