Watch The Angola 3

The Angola 3 is a documentary film that tells the story of three young Black men who were incarcerated in what was later dubbed as the bloodiest prison in America- the Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola. The film provides a detailed account of the inhumane prison conditions, the brutal abuse, and the engineered corruption that led to the unjust incarceration of Herman Wallace, Robert Hillary King, and Albert Woodfox who became known as the Angola 3.

The film opens with a brief history of Angola prison and how it became a breeding ground for violence and corruption. It then introduces the three activists who joined the Black Panther party in the late 60s and were heavily involved in the prison's organizing efforts. The three men created a chapter of the Black Panther Party in the prison, and collectively, they fought for better prison conditions, fair trials for inmates, and an end to racial discrimination in the criminal justice system.

The Angola 3's leadership role made them a target of the prison authorities, and they were accused and convicted of the murder of a white prison guard. The film highlights how the three men were wrongfully charged, convicted, and placed in solitary confinement for over 30 years. Mr. King's interview provides a moving account of how he was wrongfully convicted, often beaten and tortured, and how the hope for his freedom kept him fighting for justice.

The Angola 3 film presents an up-close look at how the prison wardens purposely deprived inmates of basic human rights, practiced torture and confessions extraction, and plotted to keep the Angola 3 behind bars. The film provides interviews with lawyers, activists, and former Angola prisoners, who offer valuable insight into the legal system, testify to the tortures, and paint a vivid picture of what life is like inside the prison walls. The film's use of archival footage, original documents, court transcripts, and other evidence is vital to reveal the intricacies of the Angola 3 case.

The film moves from the story of Herman Wallace's and Robert Hillary King's appeals, which began as early as 1973, through the more recent and successful freedom effort of Robert Hillary King, who was released in 2001, and Herman's release in 2013. Woodfox, the last of the Angola 3 to be released from prison, managed to have his conviction overturned in 2016, but his legal battle was still ongoing when the film was made. The film ends with King's release, the hope for Woodfox, and the commitment to keep the issue of the Angola 3 shed light on the injustice of the criminal justice system.

The Angola 3 is not just any prison documentary, nor is it just a civil liberties victory. Rather, the film explores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of injustice, the subversive power of hope, and the vitality of resistance. The film's slow pacing and captivating interviews make it an emotional journey that will leave viewers with a lasting impression of the Angola 3 and the importance of fighting for people's rights. The Angola 3's story challenges our beliefs about prisoners and the criminal justice system, and it does an excellent job of showing how prison reform is vital for not only the imprisoned but also for society as a whole.

In conclusion, The Angola 3 is an important and engaging documentary that not only sheds light on one of the most significant civil rights cases in America but also brings to the fore the urgent need for prison reform. The film is not only informative but also emotionally rich, enlightening, and transformative. It stands as a compelling narrative of the human cost of the criminal justice system in America and provides proof that systemic injustice can be fought against and overcome, just like the Angola 3 did.

The Angola 3 is a 2008 non-fiction movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes.