The RIDM in Correctional Settings program offers cultural mediation workshops in two parts. The first consists of a documentary screening followed by a facilitated discussion with participants, sometimes in the presence of the filmmaker, in order to demystify the documentary process and encourage direct dialogue. The second is a creative workshop drawing on the themes and subjects explored in the film, inviting participants to extend their reflection through other forms of expression.

At its core, the project aims to deepen participants’ knowledge on documentary cinema but, above all, to offer them quality cultural programming from which they are too often cut off, stimulate their thinking, sharpen their critical eye and broaden their perspectives on the world.

Since 2011, these activities have been held throughout the year in several correctional facilities (e.g., Bordeaux, Leclerc and Joliette) and transition houses (e.g., Maison Transition Centre-Sud Thérèse-Casgrain).

In 2014, the City of Montréal awarded the very first Cultural Action Prize to the Montréal International Documentary Festival (RIDM) for its “RIDM in Correctional Settings” project.

If you would like to propose an activity at your facility, please contact Amayel Fall, Audience Development Manager, at devpublics@ridm.ca.