HOPE ON THE MENU follows Sharon Richardson, a survivor of domestic violence and incarceration, as she leads a program empowering formerly incarcerated women to rebuild their lives through cooking, dancing, and sisterhood.
HOPE ON THE MENU is a feature-length documentary following Sharon Richardson, a survivor of domestic violence and 20 years of incarceration, who leads a transformative program for formerly incarcerated women. Through cooking, dancing, and sisterhood, Sharon and women like Donna and Brigitte reclaim their dignity, break free from cycles of trauma, and rebuild their lives.
The film explores themes of trauma recovery, creative healing, and reintegration into society, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of women overcoming abuse and incarceration. The story sheds light on the barriers the women face: prejudice, societal judgments, and self-doubt, while showcasing their empowerment through creative expression.
By focusing on Sharon’s leadership and the personal journeys of Donna and Brigitte, HOPE ON THE MENU aims to challenge societal perceptions of incarcerated individuals and inspire empathy. The documentary demonstrates how creative outlets like cooking and dancing foster healing and transformation, while emphasizing the importance of second chances and rehabilitation programs for those marginalized by the justice system.
The film fits within my broader work exploring personal empowerment and social justice, offering a deeper understanding of marginalized communities and sparking conversation around reform and healing.
Lulu Men (director/producer/editor) is an artist and filmmaker based in New York City. Originally from China and Singapore, she received her MFA in documentary filmmaking from the School of Visual Arts and MA in Media Management at The New School. She has worked on award winning documentaries as well as narratives, including the 2020 Oscar winning film “American Factory” as the field producer and additional camera. “Voices of Deoli” is Lulu’s debut feature which was included in the Docs for Sale market in IDFA 2024. She’s currently in production of her 2nd feature as well as a few short film projects.
Director/Producer - Lulu Men
Producer - Ann Rogers
