Redemption Time: Screening & Community Conversation

On May 14, 2026, Middle Church in New York City will host a special screening of Redemption Time, a 70-minute performance film featuring poet Jimmy Santiago Baca and jazz violinist Christian Howes—artists whose lives were shaped by incarceration and who now give voice to stories of dignity, struggle, and renewal.

Directed by David Gonzalez, the film blends spoken-word poetry, live jazz, and cinematic storytelling into a powerful experience that traces journeys from trauma and incarceration toward healing, belonging, and personal freedom.

This event invites the community to reflect on themes that resonate far beyond the screen—belonging and isolation, judgment and dignity, harm and healing, and the possibility of second chances.

The evening will include the film screening, a panel discussion, and a reception.

Presented in partnership with Rehabilitation Through the Arts (https://rta-arts.org/), this screening also serves as a fundraiser supporting RTA’s work, which uses the arts to help incarcerated individuals develop critical life skills and successfully reintegrate into society.

Admission is free with a suggested donation of $20.

Reserve tickets: https://Redemption_Time_NYC.eventbrite.com

Thursday, May 14, 2026

6:30 PM — Doors Open

7:00 PM — Film Screening

Following the screening — Panel Discussion and Reception

Middle Church

50 East 7th Street (between 1st and 2nd Avenues)New York, NY 10003

Venue information:https://www.middlechurch.org/

Redemption Time centers on two artists who emerged from incarceration to become powerful voices for change. Through poetry, music, and storytelling, the film explores universal tensions—belonging and isolation, judgment and dignity, harm and healing—while inviting viewers to look beyond labels and consider what it means to be human, to belong, and to begin again.

“Redemption Time is a powerful work that invites viewers to confront difficult truths about incarceration while also recognizing the dignity and humanity of people who have lived through it.”- Jed Tucker of the Bard Pr*son Initiative

“Redemption Time transcends dualities… It’s a profound invitation into the deepest truths of our shared humanity.”— Dr. Peter Candler, Author

Film info and trailer:https://redemptiontimeshow.com/

David Gonzalez [email protected] (917)-971-2370

Christian Howes [email protected] (614) 332-8689

Previews of the full film available upon request.

Jimmy Santiago Baca is one of the most celebrated poets to emerge from the American Pr*son system. While incarcerated, he taught himself to read and write and went on to become an internationally recognized author. He is the recipient of the American Book Award, the International Poetry Forum’s Shelley Memorial Award, and the Pushcart Prize, and his memoir A Place to Stand received the International Latino Book Award. His work has inspired readers, educators, and justice-impacted communities around the world.

Christian Howes is a renowned Jazz violinist and music educator. He is the recipient of the Artist Teacher Award from the American String Teachers Association. A former Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music, Christian has performed at the invitation of the U.S. State Department and received awards and honors from Jazz Times, Downbeat, Chamber Music America, the Jazz Journalists Association, and more.

David Gonzalez is an award-winning storyteller, musician, and filmmaker known for his work at the intersection of theater, music, and cultural history. A Joseph Campbell Fellow and recipient of support from the National Endowment for the Arts, he has created acclaimed performance works presented by organizations including Lincoln Center, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Kennedy Center. His storytelling recordings have also been honored by the American Library Association. Gonzalez directed Redemption Time, bringing together poetry, music, and film to explore the human journey from incarceration toward dignity and transformation.

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