Was Sing Sing based on a true story?

Last Modified Feb 25, 2025 06:10 EST
Was Sing Sing based on a true story?
Sing Sing (Source: Prime)


The 2023 American prison drama Sing Sing was written and directed by Greg Kwedar and Clint Bentley, respectively. The movie is based on the actual Rehabilitation Through the Arts program at Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison, which involves a group of men in prison who create theatrical stage productions.


It was released by A24 in the United States on July 12, 2024, after making its debut in the Special Presentations section of the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. The American Film Institute and the National Board of Review ranked it among the top 10 movies of 2024, and critics gave it favorable reviews. It was nominated for three awards at the 78th British Academy Film Awards (Best Actor for Domingo and Best Supporting Actor for Maclin) and the 97th Academy Awards (Best Actor for Domingo), among other honors.


Was Sing Sing based on a true story?


Yes, Sing Sing sheds light on the actual Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program, which was created at the highest security prison of the same name and has seen inmates participate in countless theatre plays. A notable aspect of the film is that, in addition to well-known Oscar nominees Paul Raci and Colman Domingo, the ensemble cast consists of other amateur actors who have also benefited from the program. Thanks to Sing Sing, RTA is now becoming more well-known than it was over thirty years ago.


Are the actors in Sing Sing real prisoners?


Yes, the following cast in the film were once a part of the the program in the facility:


  • Clarence "Divine Eye" Maclin

  • David "Dap" Giraudy

  • Patrick "Preme" Griffin

  • Mosi Eagle

  • James "Big E" Williams

  • Sean "Dino" Johnson

  • Dario Peña

  • Miguel Valentin

  • Jon-Adrian "JJ" Velazquez

  • Pedro Cotto

  • Camillo "Carmine" Lovacco

  • Cornell "Nate" Alston

  • John "Divine G" Whitfield


Where can I watch Sing Sing?


Sing Sing is available to be rented on the following platforms:


  • Prime Video

  • Apple TV Plus

  • Fandango at Home


Where is the real Sing Sing facility located?


Operated by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Sing Sing Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison for men located in the village of Ossining, New York, USA.


Along the east bank of the Hudson River, it lies roughly 30 miles (48 km) north of Midtown Manhattan. As of 2007, it houses roughly 1,700 prisoners. Green Haven Correctional Facility had the execution chamber by the late 20th century, but it also hosted the State of New York's execution chamber for a while, with the last execution taking place there in 1963. In 2007, the death penalty was abolished completely in New York.


Also read: Cast of Sing Sing

FAQs about Sing Sing

A. The 2023 film Sing Sing is available to rent on Prime Video, Apple TV Plus and Fandango at Home.

A. Yes, the actors in Sing Sing are real prisoners apart from Colman Domingo, Sean San José and Paul Raci.

Sing Sing was shot in several abandoned prisons over a period of 19 days in July 2022. 


Related Stories

"I was the first-ever influencer on TV" - Jake Paul on looking back at his Disney Channel days "I was the first-ever influencer on TV" - Jake Paul on looking back at his Disney Channel days
"I was the first-ever influencer on TV" - Jake Paul on looking back at his Disney Channel days
16h
"The system is not really designed for us" — Halle Berry reflects on being the first and only Black woman to win the Best Actress Oscar "The system is not really designed for us" — Halle Berry reflects on being the first and only Black woman to win the Best Actress Oscar
"The system is not really designed for us" — Halle Berry reflects on being the first and only Black woman to win the Best Actress Oscar
1d
10 Movies to watch if you love beach life 10 Movies to watch if you love beach life
10 Movies to watch if you love beach life
2d
“This is NOT good for the kids to one day see” — Netizens slam Kanye West for saying he didn’t want to have children with Kim Kardashian “This is NOT good for the kids to one day see” — Netizens slam Kanye West for saying he didn’t want to have children with Kim Kardashian
“This is NOT good for the kids to one day see” — Netizens slam Kanye West for saying he didn’t want to have children with Kim Kardashian
20h
Mr. Peanut in The Electric State was voiced by an iconic actor, who you may not have recognized Mr. Peanut in The Electric State was voiced by an iconic actor, who you may not have recognized
Mr. Peanut in The Electric State was voiced by an iconic actor, who you may not have recognized
18h
Why was Morgan Wallen uninvited from SNL? 2020 incident explored amid Singer's musical guest appearance in five years Why was Morgan Wallen uninvited from SNL? 2020 incident explored amid Singer's musical guest appearance in five years
Why was Morgan Wallen uninvited from SNL? 2020 incident explored amid Singer's musical guest appearance in five years
1d
When was John Cena diagnosed with cancer? Actor opens up about past diagnosis as he teams with Neutrogena When was John Cena diagnosed with cancer? Actor opens up about past diagnosis as he teams with Neutrogena
When was John Cena diagnosed with cancer? Actor opens up about past diagnosis as he teams with Neutrogena
18h
Can Donald Trump run for a third term? Exploring the President's comments on 'methods' to make it happen Can Donald Trump run for a third term? Exploring the President's comments on 'methods' to make it happen
Can Donald Trump run for a third term? Exploring the President's comments on 'methods' to make it happen
20h
Why did Lisa Rinna leave the Real Housewives? Former reality star reveals that her father died by assisted suicide Why did Lisa Rinna leave the Real Housewives? Former reality star reveals that her father died by assisted suicide
Why did Lisa Rinna leave the Real Housewives? Former reality star reveals that her father died by assisted suicide
1d
What is Teresa Giudice's net worth? Reality star's daughter Gia addresses mother and stepfather's $3 million tax debt What is Teresa Giudice's net worth? Reality star's daughter Gia addresses mother and stepfather's $3 million tax debt
What is Teresa Giudice's net worth? Reality star's daughter Gia addresses mother and stepfather's $3 million tax debt
19h