The 2023 American prison drama film Sing Sing is directed by Greg Kwedar and written by Clint Bentley and Kwedar. The film revolves around a group of guys who serve time and participate in the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program, which is based on the actual Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison.
Alongside several real-life ex-offenders who were also graduates of the program when they were imprisoned, such as Clarence "Divine Eye" Maclin and Jon-Adrian "JJ" Velazquez, it features professional actors Colman Domingo, Sean San José, and Paul Raci. It debuted in the Special Presentations program at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. The film was released by A24 in the United States on July 12, 2024.
The main cast of Sing Sing
Colman Domingo as John "Divine G" Whitfield
Colman Domingo plays John "Divine G" Whitfield in the film.
Colman Jason Domingo is an American director, dramatist, and actor who was born on November 28, 1969, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Since the 2010s, Domingo has been a prominent figure on stage and television. He has been nominated for two Academy Awards, two Tony Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award, among other honors.
Clarence "Divine Eye" Maclin as himself
Actor, gang intervention specialist, adolescent counselor, and creative arts specialist Clarence "Divine Eye" Maclin played a fictitious version of himself in the film. His performance got him nominations for the Independent Spirit Awards, Gotham Awards, Critics' Choice Movie Awards, and BAFTA Awards for Best Supporting Actor. Maclin has also received a nomination for the Best Adapted Screenplay Academy Award for 2025.
Sean San José as Mike Mike
The American actor Sean San José plays Mike Mike in the film.
Sean San José is a producer, performer, director, and writer. He has developed, created, produced, and premiered new plays for more than thirty years. His theatre work is largely rooted in San Francisco. Additionally, he is a Creative Executive with Colman Domingo's production company, Edith Productions.
Paul Raci as Brent Buell
The American character actor Paul Raci plays Brent Buell in the film. Paul Raci is a stage, movie, and television veteran who has acted in several productions, including small roles in Parks and Recreation and Baskets. For his role in Sound of Metal (2019), he received a 2021 Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Supporting cast of Sing Sing
In addition to Maclin, the supporting cast includes real men who were once imprisoned and who graduated from the RTA program; they all play themselves in the movie. They are:
David "Dap" Giraudy
Patrick "Preme" Griffin
Mosi Eagle
James "Big E" Williams
Sean "Dino" Johnson
Dario Peña
Miguel Valentin
Jon-Adrian "JJ" Velazquez
Pedro Cotto
Camillo "Carmine" Lovacco
Cornell "Nate" Alston
John "Divine G" Whitfield
Also read: Was Sing Sing based on a true story?
FAQs about Sing Sing
A. Sing Sing is rated R primarily due to its detailed depictions of prison life, including discussions of violence, harsh language, and the psychological struggles faced by imprisoned individuals, which could be disturbing to younger audiences.
A. Sing Sing was filmed at Downstate Correctional Facility, Hudson Sports Complex, and Beacon High School along with other abandoned correction facilities.
A. Sing Sing is available to rent on Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home.
