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

Is there a loophole in the Oscars' new rule regarding voting? Some voters claim they don't actually have to watch every nominated movie Is there a loophole in the Oscars' new rule regarding voting? Some voters claim they don't actually have to watch every nominated movie
Is there a loophole in the Oscars' new rule regarding voting? Some voters claim they don't actually have to watch every nominated movie
1d
7 Movies that later turned into popular video games 7 Movies that later turned into popular video games
7 Movies that later turned into popular video games
1d
Deep Cover official trailer is out: Here’s what we know about the upcoming Tom Kingsley action comedy Deep Cover official trailer is out: Here’s what we know about the upcoming Tom Kingsley action comedy
Deep Cover official trailer is out: Here’s what we know about the upcoming Tom Kingsley action comedy
13h
10 times Kris Jenner’s fashion choices left fans confused and offended 10 times Kris Jenner’s fashion choices left fans confused and offended
10 times Kris Jenner’s fashion choices left fans confused and offended
1d
How long have Calvin Harris and Vick Hope been together? Couple reportedly expecting first baby together How long have Calvin Harris and Vick Hope been together? Couple reportedly expecting first baby together
How long have Calvin Harris and Vick Hope been together? Couple reportedly expecting first baby together
17h
Why Revenge of the Sith deserves more credit for setting up Andor Why Revenge of the Sith deserves more credit for setting up Andor
Why Revenge of the Sith deserves more credit for setting up Andor
1d
“It’s just so well-deserved”: Ken Jeong reacts to Nicole Scherzinger’s Tony Nomination for musical Norma Desmond “It’s just so well-deserved”: Ken Jeong reacts to Nicole Scherzinger’s Tony Nomination for musical Norma Desmond
“It’s just so well-deserved”: Ken Jeong reacts to Nicole Scherzinger’s Tony Nomination for musical Norma Desmond
8h
Are Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson engaged? Ring on the influencer sparks engagement rumors Are Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson engaged? Ring on the influencer sparks engagement rumors
Are Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson engaged? Ring on the influencer sparks engagement rumors
1d
“I won’t have this slander”: Fans react to B. J. Novak’s rumored relationship with Delaney Rowe “I won’t have this slander”: Fans react to B. J. Novak’s rumored relationship with Delaney Rowe
“I won’t have this slander”: Fans react to B. J. Novak’s rumored relationship with Delaney Rowe
15h
Untold: The Fall of Favre- Everything we know about Netflix's upcoming docuseries on Brett Favre Untold: The Fall of Favre- Everything we know about Netflix's upcoming docuseries on Brett Favre
Untold: The Fall of Favre- Everything we know about Netflix's upcoming docuseries on Brett Favre
1d