The subject matter: the dignity and humanity of people in prison and the transformative power of literature
Subject Matter is adding $100 to every donation made during the 2026 Tribeca Festival, up to $5,000!
Film:
March Forth
March Forth is a moving mixed-media documentary on the life of Reginald Dwayne Betts, who was incarcerated in an adult prison at just 16 years old. It explores the lasting impact of serving time in adult prison as a teenager and how Betts continues to subvert the odds. After his release, Betts went on to become an acclaimed poet, author, lawyer, activist and MacArthur Genius Award winner.
Part autobiography, part performance, viewers are challenged with this intimate look at the life of Reginald Dwayne Betts. Through live performance, animation, poetry and memoir excerpts performed by Brian Tyree Henry, we grapple alongside Betts as he navigates who he was and who he’s become while he returns to prisons to create libraries with his Freedom Reads nonprofit.—Tiana Harris
Subject Matter will be participating in March Forth’s 2026 Tribeca Festival screenings.
Nonprofit:
Freedom Reads
Freedom Reads’ mission is to bring joy, inspire hope, and help those Inside confront what prison does to the spirit.
They bring beautiful, handcrafted bookcases into prisons, transforming cellblocks into Freedom Libraries. The Freedom Library is a physical intervention into the landscape of plastic and steel and loneliness that characterizes prison. In an environment where the freedom to think, to contribute to a community, and even to dream about what is possible is too often curtailed, Freedom Reads reminds those Inside that they have not been forgotten.
Audience:
Donate/Host
Inspired audiences are invited to join us in creating a positive community action in response to March Forth.
Please consider hosting a screening for your community or donating to our campaign for Freedom Reads. 100% of your donation (minus credit card processing fees) will go to Freedom Reads.
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March Forth received a $30,000 grant to reach more audiences and support their impact and outreach efforts. Freedom Reads received a $30,000 grant to support their work creating transformative experiences for people in prison and to meaningfully elevate the dignity of the millions of people in this country touched by the criminal legal system.
The Filmmakers & Nonprofit Leaders
