The latest A&E documentary, “Exposing Parchman,” exposes the dire conditions of the United States penitentiary system. Developed by Jay Z’s Roc Nation, the film starred in the Tribeca Film Festival and received great critics. The documentary focuses on a prison complex situated in the state of Mississippi and features interviews with prominent African American leaders, policymakers, and the families of convicts who had to serve their sentences there.
But where is Parchman Prison filmed exactly? Well, today, we’re taking you to that place. We’re going to tell you everything there’s to know about this place. So let’s take a trip to the heartland of Mississippi to learn a little bit more about this dreaded penitentiary that’s at the center of a class-action lawsuit.
Parchman Prison Documentary Addresses Penitentiary System Reform
The state of the penitentiary system in Mississippi reached a critical juncture that demanded immediate attention and reform. With the recent release of a documentary series by A&E titled “Escaping Parchman,” we get to see how the disproportionate incarceration of black and brown individuals, coupled with the alarming issues plaguing the system, puts a stain on the American justice system.
From Parchman Prison’s documentary developed by Roc Nation, we learn of excessive use of solitary confinement, a disturbing number of inmate deaths, self-harm, poor sanitary conditions, and the systematic violation of human rights that perpetuate a cycle of violence and despair.
Parchman Prison Documentary Official Trailer
Sunflower County
Sunflower County, Mississippi, is a picturesque region steeped in rich history and natural beauty. Located in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, it boasts fertile lands, expansive fields, and vibrant communities that embody the spirit of the South. The county, established in 1844, has played an instrumental role in the development of blues music and American literature.
As the birthplace of legendary musician B.B. King and iconic playwright Tennessee Williams, Sunflower County has made significant contributions to the cultural tapestry of the United States. Visitors to this charming area are greeted with warm Southern hospitality, mouthwatering cuisine, and a myriad of recreational opportunities, including fishing, hunting, and exploring historical sites. With its undeniable charm and storied past, Sunflower County, Mississippi, is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a true taste of the American South.
But as pretty as the American South can be, it is also filled with a side that contrasts with it, and that’s the American prison system that inspires the A&E documentary, as we’ll see.
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Where Is Parchman Prison Filmed?
Parchman Farm is located at the heart of Mississippi’s Sunflower County. The prison complex was constructed in 1901 and has been active since then, serving as one the most notorious prisons in America. It became a central focus of civil rights struggles during the 1960s, and it continues to see riots and unrest today.
Its inmates are subject to extreme living conditions and subjected to inhumane treatment. Even the US Department of Justice has reportedly stepped in due to violations of inmates’ constitutional rights. Parchman Prison is located on a large off-the-grid property divided into several units that host a wide variety of prisons, ranging from death row facilities to women’s detention centers.
The prison farm is surrounded by barbed wire and guard towers, secured with motion detectors and heavy security. Inmates are held in solitary confinement for years at a time without proper ventilation or access to medical care, leading to rampant physical and mental health issues. In addition, inmates have been denied access to basic necessities such as hygiene products, clothing, bedding, and food.
Roc Nation’s Docuseries Raises Awareness
With this production, Jay Z and Roc Nation aim to raise public awareness and generate widespread concern for incarcerated individuals. Society needs to confront the prevailing stigma associated with incarceration and recognize that those behind bars are fathers, sons, and brothers, so by shining a light on the inhumane conditions of this prison and the racial disparities within the Justice system, the public can become actively engaged in pushing for reform.
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