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Film: New doc on music inside California prisons

As shows like Lockup and Prison Break find their way into the evening time slots, our thirst for inmate violence, guard behavior, and prison culture is at a fever pitch. For Ben Harbert, director of the documentary film "In A Day's Time: Songs Of The California Men's Colony", he lays on us good tunes and honest characters for a more rewarding experience.

Shot in one day at the California Men's Colony in San Luis Obispo, Harbert captures an image of prison that reveals a thriving world of musical study. Whether playing for commercial success on the outside, or personal fulfillment behind bars, there is a captivating sincerity to each inmate filmed. Having the opportunity to speak with the director, Harbert explained to SEEN that for the CMC's residents, "music can create a separate space in prison, a necessity when there is a lack of privacy and personal ownership. Also, music can suspend the regular environment that a inmate might be wrapped up in." These inmates won't tell you that doing time is easy, but many of them in the CMC will agree that prison violence would get heavier if they had to sit in complete silence. Letting it go through music is what it is all about. Just ask MJ.

Irresistible characters, powerful performances, and a film that lets the music and inmates speak for themselves. Check out our exclusive clip featuring collaboration between a country guitarist and an RnB singer, and go see this film this summer.

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