Sing Sing

In Colombia we have a place called "La Comuna 13" (The 13th Commune), it used to be one of the most dangerous places in the country. In the times of Pablo Escobar, it used to be a recruitment place for gangs and cartels. Later on, it came under the control of various different military groups. This would very often put people in very dangerous positions, especially children who were exposed, and forced to participate, to this lifestyle from very young ages This summer while I as visiting my family back in Colombia, we went to Medellin, where La Comuna 13 is located, and took a tour of the now much improved commune. We were led by the founder of a new-ish project there, which exposed the members of the community to all different kinds of art. We went through many different buildings that had graffiti painted all over them, and not just random things, but real works of art. We saw breakdancing groups, we saw sculptures, we saw drawings, we heard music, we heard poetry, basically anything you might imagine that relates to art. Throughout the whole excursion, I just kept thinking to myself how the power of art had changed so many people's lives, and not just for the people participating and creating, but also for the community around them. From the kids who no longer had to be forced into a lifestyle that would only have two possible endings, jail or death, to the older community members, who no longer had to fear for their lives or those of their families and neighbours. Having watched this movie for the second time, and I can't stop thinking about how this is exactly what this movie represents, how the power of art can literally heal decades of decay not only for individuals, but for whole communities, and this is why I love this movie so much.