SCREENTALK NJ |BE NOT AFRAID by Chris Carden

SCREENTALK NJ (s3e2)

SCREETALK NJ | "BE NOT AFRAID" FILM SCREENING & FILMMAKER CHAT

presented by the The City of Plainfield & Union County Board of County Commissioners & Queen City Film & Television Workshop

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Witness the extraordinary journey of incarcerated individuals at Garden State Correctional Facility, guided by dedicated music teacher Dante Coluccio. As the prison band prepares for an upcoming concert, the film intimately follows lead singer Ben, a man serving a twelve-year sentence, whose impending release forces him to confront the bonds forged with his bandmates, now akin to brothers. Through Ben's story, the documentary illuminates the profound impact of musical education within prison walls, revealing how it imparts not just musical prowess, but also rehabilitates through vital life skills of teamwork and unwavering dedication.

A Q&A featuring the film's Director Chris Carden and Dr. Darcella Sessomes, Director of Programs and Reintigration for NJ Department of Corrections will immediately follow screening.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKER

Chris Carden
Chris Carden has leveraged a wealth of experience as a former top market broadcast journalist (KYW-TV, Philadelphia) and filmmaker. With a multifaceted skill set that includes directing, photography, camera operation, producing, writing, and editing, and as the founder of Csquared Media, LLC., a New Jersey-based production company, Carden has shaped his career as an award-winning creator of both narrative and documentary works.

Carden's journey into the spotlight began with the short film "Redemption," a narrative piece that secured second place at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute's Silver Screen Inspiration Short Film Contest in 2014. The film garnered praise for its originality, earning acclaim from none other than Academy Award winner Sir Ben Kingsley.

Since 1999, Carden has dedicated his talents to the New Jersey Department of Corrections Office of Public Information, where he has been instrumental in creating impactful content. Notably, he spearheaded the nationally recognized anti-crime campaign "Be Smart, Choose Freedom," a project that resonated beyond its initial scope, receiving adoption by the NAACP and various correctional agencies nationwide.

Carden's commitment to storytelling extends to the documentary realm, and his latest project, "Be Not Afraid," won Best Documentary at the 7th Annual Queen City Film Festival inn 2024. Mr Carden is proud to have a career steeped in accolades, innovation, and social impact, and hopes to leave an enduring legacy through a compelling and influential body of work.

ABOUT THE MODERATOR

Lamar Mackson is a Producer and Assistant Director from Plainfield, NJ, and a member of the Director's Guild of America. His credits include; Damages starring Glenn Close, Kitchen Nightmares, Extreme Home Makeover, The Montel Williams Show, The Phil Donahue Show & Spike Lee's Summer of Sam. Mackson also served with director Tony Goldwyn on the Prolia commercial campaign. Lamar currently runs an indie focused production co., Nonstop Show Group, is the founder of the Queen City Film Festival, the Film Future Club and currently serves as Chairman of the Union County, NJ Motion Picture & Television Advisory Board.

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Saturday , June 14, 2025

724 Park Ave

Plainfield, NJ 07060

12- 2pm

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BE NOT AFRAID

Directed by Chris Carden