LIDF - The London International Documentary Festival

LIDF 2010 | 29 April to 8 May 2010
plus extra film screenings all year around
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in association with London Review of Books

The Meaning of Life

13:00 Saturday 4 April 2009 at British Museum (BP Theatre)

Plus post-film discussion: with director Hugh Brody, Terence Low (Associate Specialist Psychiatrist, West London Mental Health NHS Trust), Angela Gardner (performance artist and senior officer in the prison service). Chaired by Patrick Hazard (LIDF Director)

Tickets: £3
The box office has now closed for this film.

Kwikwexwelhp is a prison in British Columbia where rehabilitation is centered around aboriginal culture. Chehalis First Nation elders teach their culture and listen to the life stories of the inmates. Everyone is welcomed with a ceremony of songs and drums – some of the inmates even go to the neighbouring community of Chehalis to work and to attend sacred events. In this prison, the Chehalis First Nation people provide the spirituality and Correctional Services Canada the prison structure.

The Meaning of Life is a journey into the thoughts and voices of the prisoners, many of whom are serving life sentences, and examines the effects of this unique partnership on inmates and staff.

In the best traditions of documentary making, this film gives a voice to the voiceless and asks important questions about the nature of judgment. Does a system of justice exist in which people can find forgiveness and redemption?

To read our interview with director Hugh Brody, click here.

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Director: Hugh Brody
Producer: Betsy Carson
Cinematographer: Kirk Tougas
Country: Canada
Length: 83 minutes
Official film website

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