Escaping the Odds of Recidivism Documentary Film

Escaping the Odds of Recidivism is an 85 minute documentary-based film and collective-impact course designed for learners preparing for successful reintegration. Developed by Aaron Smith, a member of the justice-impacted community, Escaping the Odds of Recidivism is divided into 5 segments and combines firsthand stories, expert perspectives, guided reflection and reentry planning to explore the personal, social and systemic factors connected to incarceration and recidivism.

Through five documentary sections, Reflection & Reentry Planning questions, and the 29-question My Reentry Plan, learners strengthen personal accountability, identify barriers and support systems, consider pathways toward education and economic mobility and begin documenting practical steps for life prior to and upon release. The course presents reentry as a process that begins before release and requires preparation, opportunity, perseverance and coordinated community support.