Concrete, Steel and Paint

Concrete, Steel and Paint is a film about crime, restoration and healing. When men in a prison art class agree to collaborate with victims of crime to design a mural about healing, their views on punishment, remorse, and forgiveness collide. At times, the divide seems too wide to bridge. But as the participants begin to work together, mistrust gives way to genuine moments of human contact and shared purpose. Their struggle to find creative common ground raises challenging questions about punishment, justice and reconciliation. This award-winning documentary dramatically illustrates the value of restorative justice and how art can facilitate dialogue about difficult issues.

Robert Koehler writes in the Huffington Post that Concrete, Steel and Paint is “an extraordinary documentary … [that] takes us on a journey of transformation – and it goes the long way, the honest way, through the shoals of anger and mistrust that separate social opposites. ”

Concrete, Steel and Paint is being presented in partnership with the Center for Community Alternatives, whose mission is to promote reintegrative justice and a reduced reliance on incarceration through advocacy, services and public policy development in pursuit of civil and human rights.

The Gifford Foundation announces the fall films to be screened as part of the “What if…” Film Series. Launched in spring of 2010, the series presents free films showcasing how communities across the nation successfully address issues of concern to residents. The screenings are followed by discussions on how the themes resonate within Central New York. A committee of community volunteers selected the films. There will be a total of three films shown over the course of six presentations from October 4 through November 22; show times vary for each screening. Each film is about one hour long and is followed by the moderated discussion.

All films are free to the public and no reservations are necessary – seating is on a first come, first serve basis. ArtRage is fully handicapped accessible.

For more information visit the Gifford Foundation site http://www.giffordfd.org/Initiatives/WhatifFilmSeries.aspx