Life & Life

A soul-stirring documentary about one man's fate inside and outside the US prison system. Reggie is a seriously talented jazz musician who had a future in music but whose crime and the parole board repeatedly condemns him... until a jazz concert in San Quentin leads to his release and the opportunity for a life after 15-to-life.

This documentary was really interesting, moving and informative. That Reggie could turn his life around, and even have a life, was totally inspiring. Kudo's to the filmmaker for finding him, and then making this film with him. Everyone who cares about folks stuck in our penal system who find a way out - this is a must.

This film has a complex central character in Reggie Austin. A talented musician he committed a murder for which he has served 40 years in prison. This documentary explores questions about punishment and redemption. But ultimately it also uncovers the prison system that keeps people incarcerated beyond what seems like just punishment as the parole system operates ineffectively. The director has opened up an issue that has not been exposed before and tells it through the lens of one man's life.

I was so pleased to learn that Life & Life is available for streaming so that viewers who missed the screenings at film festivals have the chance to see this most excellent documentary. Those screenings led to many awards including Official Selection - Harlem International Film Festival, Best Humanitarian Documentary - Sedona Film Festival, Best Documentary - Brooklyn Film Festival, Audience Choice Award Best Documentary New Hope Film Festival. This documentary beautifully tells the story of Reggie Austin, a talented musician, whose life got derailed by his involvement with a drug related murder that led to 35 years of incarceration and numerous denials of parole. He had the good fortune to benefit from the creativity and humanity of NC Heiken who as part of the filming of her previous documentary, Sound of Redemption, brought an all star jazz band into San Quentin and Reggie got up and played with them. That fortuitous opportunity led to Reggie's parole and the film following his life after prison - a true story of redemption. Reggie is an articulate and authentic contributor to the film's investigation of the the interconnected problems of poverty, crime, racism, injustice, rehabilitation and recidivism. His story and his unique ability to express his understanding of the road to redemption is profoundly impactful. A truly inspiring documentary - NC Heiken has made an important and valuable contribution to the critical national debate on the need to reform the criminal justice system.

I found Life & Life moving and thought-provoking, and i hope it will cause many to rethink their ideas about the criminal justice process and support prison reform. NC Heiken's elegant and empathetic documentary chronicles Reggie Austin's quest for redemption after a murder committed in his youth landed him in San Quentin. A talented musician, Austin mentors other prisoners and keeps up his spirits after repeatedly being denied parole, until finally, after 35 years, he is freed. The film also raises consciousness about the challenges and obstacles faced by the formerly incarcerated.

Loved this doc. Such an important story to tell about this population of men incarcerated for long sentences for drug-related crimes, who are so talented and human.

A compelling story about what happens to a person released from prison, the challenges they face, the pitfalls, the lack of support. A moving story about one man, a talented musician with a heart. Highly recommended.

There's nothing like visuals and sounds to transmit a story, and when it's a true story, and a significant one, crucial to our understanding of other lives on the planet, lives that are different from our own, the necessary expansion of our understanding is made available. That's what I got from this film. Tragic, heart-breaking, real, beautiful, those are just a few of the words I have to describe it. I love the music especially. It's a golden thread that lightens the sadness.

A moving account of redemption accompanied by a fantastic sound track.

From parole reform to post prison re-entry, to prison abolition, Reggie Austin expands and deepens the perspectives. To say nothing of the wonderful music he makes. Moving, informative, and respectful, this excellent film should be widely seen!