Watch 16 Bars

16 Bars is a remarkable documentary that follows Todd "Speech" Thomas on his journey as he tries to make a change in the lives of the inmates at the Richmond City Jail. As a young boy, Speech's father was in and out of prison, and he has always been vocal about the impact that the prison system has on individuals, families, and communities as a whole. He has dedicated much of his life to making music that addresses social issues, and now he is taking his activism to the next level.

The film is set in Richmond, Virginia, a city with a high incarceration rate, and follows Todd as he works with a group of inmates to write, record, and produce an album in just two weeks. He is joined by legendary producer and musician Damien "Dame" Ritter, who has worked with artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, and together they guide the inmates through the creative process.

The inmates that Speech works with are a diverse group of men with different backgrounds and experiences. There is Garland, the charismatic gang member who has been in and out of jail since he was a teenager. Tennyson is a talented singer with a passion for music, but he struggles with addiction and has been in and out of treatment facilities. Lastly, there is a man named De'vonte, a quiet and reserved individual who has had a difficult life and struggles with anxiety and depression.

Throughout the film, we see Speech and Dame work with the inmates on their songs, using music as a tool to help them explore their emotions, confront their past mistakes, and find hope for the future. They discuss the importance of lyrics, the art of storytelling, and the therapeutic value of music. The scenes where Speech and Dame work with the guys on their music are touching and emotional, and it's clear that the experience is having a profound impact on everyone involved.

In addition to the music, the film also touches on some of the systemic issues that contribute to mass incarceration in America. We see Speech engage in conversations with prison staff, advocates, and community members about the cycle of poverty, lack of education, and racial disparities that make it difficult for many people to escape the prison system. We also see the impact that being in jail has on families, and how the stigma of being an ex-felon can make it difficult for people to find employment and housing once they are released.

Overall, 16 Bars is an inspiring and thought-provoking film that uses the power of music to address some of the most pressing social issues of our time. It's a reminder that behind every statistic and news headline, there are real people with stories that are worth hearing. Speech, Dame, Garland, Tennyson, and De'vonte are just a few of those people, and their music serves as a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and hope.

16 Bars is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.