POPS is aware that the voice of families in the criminal justice system is not often heard, or validated, in public discourse. In 2014 POPS applied to the BBC Community Doorway Programme to explore the possibility of creating a short film that would enable families to share their experiences of stigma and discrimination on their own terms. The BBC’s Community Doorway programme enables charities and community organisations to access the skills and expertise of BBC staff volunteers to deliver one-off projects.
The resulting short film “Hands” explores the real life experiences and challenges facing prisoners’ families; their thoughts, feelings and reflections on the topic of stigma.* In creating this film we hoped to create not just a ‘final product’ but a process, in and through which, barriers would be broken down and understanding would be promoted. We wanted to provide a forum in which stereotypes concerning both families and the media could be dismantled, to build confidence and trust and ultimately to give families a voice.
Produced and Directed by: Jessica Spencer, Louise Hannah and Rebecca Cheung
Editing: Jessica Spencer and Paul Hayton
With special thanks to BBC Outreach, Tina Ntow and Sarah Drummond, and all the courageous families involved in the forums and filming.
*Holding hands is one of the only forms of sustained physical contact permitted between a prisoner and their family on normal prison visits. It became significant as a theme through the preceding family forums as we discussed ways in which families would be prepared to be filmed.
Last updated 06/11/2023.