Every day, behind closed doors, tens of thousands of Americans are subjected to invasive body cavity searches that they cannot refuse. Men and women are forced to strip down completely naked and submit to an authority figure, who commands them to manipulate their genitals in the name of discovering contraband, and in some cases penetrates them with fingers and other instruments. This degrading practice is largely hidden from the public, because it takes place in prisons. In free society it would be considered sexual abuse. In the prison industrial complex it is legally-termed “strip frisk.”
IN EXCHANGE FOR FLESH, a short documentary co-directed by Corey Devon Arthur, who is currently incarcerated, and Sandro Ramani, takes us inside two New York State prisons to expose the horrors of the strip frisk policy, revealing a story of bravery, resistance and healing. From prison, Corey has shared his directorial vision and artwork to raise awareness of this practice with outside audiences. We are honored to share his vision with you, at our community screening at The People’s Forum.
Content warning: the documentary, and artwork associated with the documentary, includes descriptions and images of sexual violence.
SCHEDULE:
6-6:30pm: Arrival and artwork display
6:30-6:45pm: Screening
6:45pm-7:30pm: Talkback with co-directors Corey Devon Arthur and Sandro Ramani
