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Riot in Cell Block 11

Don Siegel US, 1954, 80 min
Cast Neville Brand, Emile Meyer, Frank Faylen
Spoken language English
Subtitles Dutch

For this edition, Movie Matters takes a look behind the bars of gritty prison classic RIOT IN CELL BLOCK 11. Even though the movie was released in 1954, the questions that director Don Siegel (INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS, DIRTY HARRY) poses about the prison system are still painfully relevant today.

What started as a rebellion against the inhuman conditions, overpopulation and corruption in a maximum security prison, quickly changes into a violent uprising. The movie does not offer a simple solution, but encourages the audience to think about rehabilitation as compared to retribution. Is a prison the place for remediation, or an oubliette for society?

Showtimes

All screenings have ended

The screening on June 2nd will be followed with an aftertalk with Movie Matters about human rights in detention and a social worker that knows the ins and outs of prison and works with inmates in Antwerp.