Genre
Synopsis
BEYOND tells the story of Beyond the Block, an event at Sing Sing prison that showcases the personal narratives, ideas and talents of people encaged there. Organized by a group of incarcerated men, the event is a rare opportunity to speak on stage and reveal pieces of themselves that the public rarely considers.
We’re guided through this ensemble film by Michael, the event’s co-founder. Having been incarcerated since 2004 at the age of 21, Michael is a living embodiment of the capacity for change. He is a dedicated father, accomplished student and a mentor to the others we’ll meet.
People like Ellie, a military veteran who did not speak for the first 14 years of his incarceration, but is determined to share his story and message. There’s Robert who at 25, has grown up “behind the wall” and Raymond, whose speech focuses on the tough on crime legislation of the 1990s that demonized him and his peers as irreedemable super predators. Salahuddin and Paul serve as coaches, pushing the men to dig into their emotions.
The film’s narrative follows these men from auditions through their final performances, allowing the audience to witness their journeys of growth and healing.
Director Identity
Bio
Asia Johnson is a writer, poet and filmmaker. Asia is a 2019 Right of Return Fellow, 2021 Brennan Center for Justice Fellow, 2022 Art for Justice grantee, 2022 Highland Leader, and a 2024 Galaxy Gives fellow. Her Chapbook, An Exorcism, was released in 2018. Her first feature film, Beyond, premiered at DOC NYC in 2025. Asia is the Director of Storytelling and Media Productions at Zealous, an organization that produces films, digital media and campaigns focused on justice reform. She studied Criminal Justice and Film at the University of Michigan – Dearborn.
