“45 Seconds of Laughter” was filmed in 12 days over 6 months at a Level Four (maximum security) facility in Calipatria, CA. Directed by Tim Robbins, the documentary follows a group of incarcerated men from Calipatria State Prison as they participate in a theatrical workshop with The Actors’ Gang Prison Project. Defying racial barriers and gang affiliations, the men tap into emotions that have long been dormant while unexpected bonds emerge between former enemies. Using stock characters from the Commedia dell’Arte, the men struggle with the challenges of the violent environment they live in as they work towards a transformation and liberation unknown to their life behind bars. **45 Seconds of Laughter was part of the 2019 official selection for Venice Film Festival and New York Film Festival.
January 27, 2021
Pay What You Can Tickets
7:00 p.m. PST Screening
8:45 p.m. PST Talkback with Director Tim Robbins, The Actors’ Gang Alumni, and staff.
