“Krimes” is going global. MTV Documentary Films acquired worldwide rights to Alysa Nahmias’ documentary, which made its world premiere at Heartland Film Festival and is currently screening at DOC NYC. Variety broke the news.
Described by Nahmias as a “story of confinement and freedom, of loss and creation,” “Krimes” follows artist Jesse Krimes, who is incarcerated for six years. While in prison, he makes large-scale works of art, which he smuggles out with the help of fellow artists.
“I came to understand that Jesse’s creativity served as both a reflection of and a vehicle for subversive resistance to the American criminal-legal system, and that he would use similar ingenuity to critique the institutions and biases of the art world as well,” Nahmias told us.
The director emphasized, “I want ‘Krimes’ to challenge assumptions and offer a counter-narrative to familiar stories about incarceration and art. I hope that after watching the movie, audiences will realize how pervasive the stereotypes and biases are about people who’ve been incarcerated, consider the inherent dignity in all human life, and question how we can begin to value human life and creativity more wholeheartedly. I hope that the film will prompt audiences to imagine radical new ways of thinking about belonging, creativity, institutions, male friendships, and freedom,” she explained.
Nahmias’ other credits include “The New Bauhaus” and “Unfinished Spaces.” She co-directed the latter with Benjamin Murray.
“I’m honored that Jesse Krimes and the other brilliant artists in this film entrusted me with their story, and that [MTV Documentary Films Executive Producer] Sheila Nevins found our film at Heartland Film Festival, which tells us she and the team at MTV Documentary Films aren’t just looking to do what everyone else is doing.” said Nahmias. “They are on the cutting edge, focusing on artistry combined with important subject matter, and we are excited they will be bringing ‘Krimes’ to audiences across the world.”
Nevins added, “Incarcerated for six years, Jesse Krimes created conceptual art in prison. The soul of this artist was birthed while he was trapped in confinement. What follows is a surprising and inspirational story of art and justice”.
