Screening, followed with a discussion with the filmmaker
Monday, March 28, 2016, 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Rose Hills Theatre
In 1991, four teenagers made the choice to engage in a series of robberies without considering how the consequences of their actions would irrevocably alter their lives. Although no one was physically injured, these young men received sentences of up to 500 years.
From 2006 to 2013, director John Lucas follows the unfathomable journeys of Charlie Kelly, Donovan Harris, Richard “Poochie” Roderick and Frankie Porter as they cope and survive despite the harsh realities of prison. "The Cooler Bandits" documents these men in their respective stages of incarceration as they fight to maintain relationships with family and friends, and reintegrate into society after spending their adult lives incarcerated.
Discussion Participants
Scott Budnick (moderator) is the founder and president of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), which provides services, support and opportunities to currently and formerly incarcerated individuals, and advocates for fair policies in the juvenile and criminal justice systems.
John Lucas, director of "The Cooler Bandits," has worked as a documentary photographer for more than 20 years. He has directed and produced several cutting-edge multimedia projects.
Richard Roderick PI ’14 is program coordinator of the Justice-in-Education Initiative of Columbia University. He was featured in "The Cooler Bandits."
Donovan Harris is a co-star of "The Cooler Bandits" and CEO of Gravity 330 Inc., a community resource center that aims to offer hope, charitable help and opportunity to the community. He is also an entrepreneur, community connector, re-entry expert and public speaker.