USA,
2005, 83 min
Shown in 2005
CREDITS
- dir
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Tod Lending
- prod
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Tod Lending
- cam
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Slawomir Grünberg
- editor
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Jan Sutcliffe
- mus
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Sheldon Mirowitz
- source
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Nomadic Pictures, 4516 N. Francisco Ave, Chicago, IL 60625. FAX: 773-478-9574. EMAIL: tod59@nomadicpix.com.
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COMMENTS
Tod Lending in person. Shown with The Life of Kevin Carter.
OTHER
After three decades in and out of prison, Omar hopes to break the cycle by participating in the Maryland Reentry Program. “I’m trying to save my life,” he declares. Director Tod Lending (Legacy, SFIFF 2000) trails Omar, beginning with his last few weeks in prison where he’s serving a 15-year sentence for a bank robbery and then chronicling his life during the many months after his release as he adjusts to life outside of prison. When he moves into Transition House, Omar is reunited with Pete, his longtime friend who is not only the resident manager of the house but also a participant in the same program. Pete has been out of prison for several months by the time Omar moves in, and he gives Omar advice and support. Although Omar is focused and has specific goals—to get a job, stay drug-free and go to college—his determination falters in the face of job difficulties. Despite the support available from the program, he does not turn to his caseworkers for help. Will Omar be able to resist his addiction, achieve his goals and avoid being sent back to prison?
—Chuleenan Svetvilas
FACTOID #73
James Wong Howe was the first cinematographer to receive a tribute at the Festival, October 19, 1974. The legendary lenser photographed such classics as The Thin Man, Pursued, Sweet Smell of Success and Hud.
