Event

Sweethearts of the Prison Rodeo presented by the Phoenix Film Society

The Phoenix Film Society presents a screening of the "Sweethearts of the Prison Rodeo"

When: Tuesday, September 28 at 7:00pm
Where:
MADCAP Theaters
730 S Mill Ave
Tempe,AZ 85281

Post-film discussion with Director, Bradley Beesley hosted by Bill Goodykoontz of The Arizona Republic

Synopsis:

Sweethearts of the Prison Rodeo goes behind prison walls to follow convict cowgirls on their journey to the 2007 Oklahoma State Penitentiary Rodeo. In 2006, female inmates were allowed to participate for the first time.
In a state with the highest female incarceration rate in the country, these women share common experiences such as broken homes, drug abuse and alienation from their children. From 1940 – 2008, the Oklahoma State Penitentiary held an annual 'Prison Rodeo'. Part Wild West show and part coliseum-esque spectacle, it was one of the last of its kind – a relic of the American penal system. Prisoners compete on wild-broncs and bucking bulls, risking life-long injuries. For inmates like Danny Liles, a 14-year veteran of the rodeo, the chance to battle livestock offers a brief respite from prison life. Within this strange arena the prisoners become the heroes while the public and guards applaud.

"Honest, moving and uplifting." - Filmmaker Magazine

"one of America's most interesting, contemporary nonfiction filmmakers…
as pure a piece of movie-making that you will see…
one of the best films of the year." - A.J. Schnack, All These Wonderful Things

More information on the film at:
http://cinemapurgatorio.com/movies/sweethearts-of-the-prison-rodeo