Was Sing Sing based on a true story?

Last Modified Feb 25, 2025 06:10 EST
Was Sing Sing based on a true story?
Sing Sing (Source: Prime)


The 2023 American prison drama Sing Sing was written and directed by Greg Kwedar and Clint Bentley, respectively. The movie is based on the actual Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison, which involves a group of men in prison who create theatrical stage productions.


It was released by A24 in the United States on July 12, 2024, after making its debut in the Special Presentations section of the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. The American Film Institute and the National Board of Review ranked it among the top 10 movies of 2024, and critics gave it favorable reviews. It was nominated for three awards at the 78th British Academy Film Awards (Best Actor for Domingo and Best Supporting Actor for Maclin) and the 97th Academy Awards (Best Actor for Domingo), among other honors.


Was Sing Sing based on a true story?


Yes, Sing Sing sheds light on the actual Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program, which was created at the highest security prison of the same name and has seen inmates participate in countless theatre plays. A notable aspect of the film is that, in addition to well-known Oscar nominees Paul Raci and Colman Domingo, the ensemble cast consists of other amateur actors who have also benefited from the program. Thanks to Sing Sing, RTA is now becoming more well-known than it was over thirty years ago.


Are the actors in Sing Sing real prisoners?


Yes, the following cast in the film were once a part of the the program in the facility:


  • Clarence "Divine Eye" Maclin

  • 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


Where can I watch Sing Sing?


Sing Sing is available to be rented on the following platforms:


  • Prime Video

  • Apple TV Plus

  • Fandango at Home


Where is the real Sing Sing facility located?


Operated by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Sing Sing Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison for men located in the village of Ossining, New York, USA.


Along the east bank of the Hudson River, it lies roughly 30 miles (48 km) north of Midtown Manhattan. As of 2007, it houses roughly 1,700 prisoners. Green Haven Correctional Facility had the execution chamber by the late 20th century, but it also hosted the State of New York's execution chamber for a while, with the last execution taking place there in 1963. In 2007, the death penalty was abolished completely in New York.


Also read: Cast of Sing Sing

FAQs about Sing Sing

A. The 2023 film Sing Sing is available to rent on Prime Video, Apple TV Plus and Fandango at Home.

A. Yes, the actors in Sing Sing are real prisoners apart from Colman Domingo, Sean San José and Paul Raci.

Sing Sing was shot in several abandoned prisons over a period of 19 days in July 2022. 


Related Stories

What happened with Terry Sweeney and Chevy Chase? Inside feud explored as SNL alum breaks silence on Community star’s doc controversy What happened with Terry Sweeney and Chevy Chase? Inside feud explored as SNL alum breaks silence on Community star’s doc controversy
What happened with Terry Sweeney and Chevy Chase? Inside feud explored as SNL alum breaks silence on Community star’s doc controversy
1d
What happened at Disney World’s Indiana Jones stunt show? 180-kg fake boulder runaway leaves one injured What happened at Disney World’s Indiana Jones stunt show? 180-kg fake boulder runaway leaves one injured
What happened at Disney World’s Indiana Jones stunt show? 180-kg fake boulder runaway leaves one injured
1d
When was Rachel Reid diagnosed with Parkinson's? 'Heated Rivalry' author shares health update after the show's success When was Rachel Reid diagnosed with Parkinson's? 'Heated Rivalry' author shares health update after the show's success
When was Rachel Reid diagnosed with Parkinson's? 'Heated Rivalry' author shares health update after the show's success
2d
Who is Alabama Barker's mother? Travis Barker's daughter defends him over Christmas present Who is Alabama Barker's mother? Travis Barker's daughter defends him over Christmas present
Who is Alabama Barker's mother? Travis Barker's daughter defends him over Christmas present
1d
"They took his whole sh*t" - 50 Cent reacts to Dame Dash’s filmmaking company being sold for $100 "They took his whole sh*t" - 50 Cent reacts to Dame Dash’s filmmaking company being sold for $100
"They took his whole sh*t" - 50 Cent reacts to Dame Dash’s filmmaking company being sold for $100
2d
How are Rob Reiner’s children Jake and Romy coping after their parents’ killings? Details explored How are Rob Reiner’s children Jake and Romy coping after their parents’ killings? Details explored
How are Rob Reiner’s children Jake and Romy coping after their parents’ killings? Details explored
1d
Why are Drake and Adin Ross being sued? Lawsuit over promoting gambling site Stake explored Why are Drake and Adin Ross being sued? Lawsuit over promoting gambling site Stake explored
Why are Drake and Adin Ross being sued? Lawsuit over promoting gambling site Stake explored
16h
All the artists cancelling shows at Kennedy Center after Trump name change All the artists cancelling shows at Kennedy Center after Trump name change
All the artists cancelling shows at Kennedy Center after Trump name change
2d
When is Train Dreams set? The time period of Joel Edgerton’s movie explored When is Train Dreams set? The time period of Joel Edgerton’s movie explored
When is Train Dreams set? The time period of Joel Edgerton’s movie explored
13h
Victoria Jones, daughter of Tommy Lee Jones, dies at 34 in San Francisco Victoria Jones, daughter of Tommy Lee Jones, dies at 34 in San Francisco
Victoria Jones, daughter of Tommy Lee Jones, dies at 34 in San Francisco
18h