PARK CITY, Utah – A new documentary exposing the harsh realities of Alabama’s prison system made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, drawing national attention to what filmmakers describe as a civil rights crisis.
The Alabama Solution, directed by Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman, follows a group of incarcerated men who risk their lives to reveal alleged corruption and abuse inside one of the country’s most dangerous prison systems. The film, a late addition to this year’s festival lineup, has already sparked discussions about criminal justice reform in the Deep South.
“This is a story of resilience and courage,” Jarecki said during a post-screening Q&A. “These men are not just inmates—they’re whistleblowers fighting for their basic human rights.”
The documentary takes a deep dive into Alabama’s troubled prison system, which has faced federal scrutiny over overcrowding, violence, and poor living conditions. Through personal testimonies, hidden recordings, and investigative reporting, the film presents a damning picture of a system that critics say has been plagued by neglect and misconduct.
Alabama’s prison crisis has been widely reported, but The Alabama Solution offers a rare, firsthand perspective from those living behind bars. Kaufman, the film’s co-director, said the project took years to complete due to challenges in gaining access to inmates and their stories.
The documentary’s premiere comes at a time when Alabama’s correctional system is under increasing pressure. In December, the U.S. Department of Justice continued its legal battle against the state over allegations of unconstitutional conditions in men’s prisons.
For Alabama audiences, the film hits close to home. Advocacy groups, former inmates, and families of those incarcerated say they hope The Alabama Solution will push state leaders to address ongoing issues in the prison system.
As The Alabama Solution makes its way through the festival circuit, the filmmakers hope it will spark policy discussions at both state and national levels. While it remains to be seen whether the documentary will lead to tangible change, its Sundance debut has already placed Alabama’s prison crisis on a global stage.
The Alabama Solution is expected to have a wider release later this year.