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

"I'm open to anything. Certain things [just have] to align" - Dakota Johnson reportedly wants to play a 'psychopath' "I'm open to anything. Certain things [just have] to align" - Dakota Johnson reportedly wants to play a 'psychopath'
"I'm open to anything. Certain things [just have] to align" - Dakota Johnson reportedly wants to play a 'psychopath'
1d
Why was Nigel Adams arrested during Disney+ 'Rivals' filming? Charge dropped at court hearing Why was Nigel Adams arrested during Disney+ 'Rivals' filming? Charge dropped at court hearing
Why was Nigel Adams arrested during Disney+ 'Rivals' filming? Charge dropped at court hearing
1d
Is Jim Ross cancer-free? Wrestling commentator says he is ready to go back to AEW Is Jim Ross cancer-free? Wrestling commentator says he is ready to go back to AEW
Is Jim Ross cancer-free? Wrestling commentator says he is ready to go back to AEW
1d
Top 10 Jim Carrey performances ranked—His funniest, wildest, and most powerful roles Top 10 Jim Carrey performances ranked—His funniest, wildest, and most powerful roles
Top 10 Jim Carrey performances ranked—His funniest, wildest, and most powerful roles
1d
“Our sweetest little secret”: Olivia Kaiser and Theo Campbell share exciting baby news after ‘The Challenge’ romance “Our sweetest little secret”: Olivia Kaiser and Theo Campbell share exciting baby news after ‘The Challenge’ romance
“Our sweetest little secret”: Olivia Kaiser and Theo Campbell share exciting baby news after ‘The Challenge’ romance
1d
Bengals star Joe Burrow speaks out about his home robbery for the first time Bengals star Joe Burrow speaks out about his home robbery for the first time
Bengals star Joe Burrow speaks out about his home robbery for the first time
17h
In The Tall Grass ending explained: Here's how the time loop works In The Tall Grass ending explained: Here's how the time loop works
In The Tall Grass ending explained: Here's how the time loop works
19h
Who are Denise Richards' children? All about actress' daughters amid divorce from estranged husband Aaron Phypers Who are Denise Richards' children? All about actress' daughters amid divorce from estranged husband Aaron Phypers
Who are Denise Richards' children? All about actress' daughters amid divorce from estranged husband Aaron Phypers
19h
What is Andrew Garfield's net worth in 2025? Fortune explored as actor hard launches Monica Barbaro romance What is Andrew Garfield's net worth in 2025? Fortune explored as actor hard launches Monica Barbaro romance
What is Andrew Garfield's net worth in 2025? Fortune explored as actor hard launches Monica Barbaro romance
2d
“There are just no words for this” - Khloe Kardashian and more celebrities speak out after catastrophic Texas flood kills over 80 “There are just no words for this” - Khloe Kardashian and more celebrities speak out after catastrophic Texas flood kills over 80
“There are just no words for this” - Khloe Kardashian and more celebrities speak out after catastrophic Texas flood kills over 80
1d