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By Michelle Leon 鈥�22

鈥溾�� is a fascinating documentary showcasing how centering prayer helped current and former incarcerated inmates from Folsom Prison transform their trauma and shame into a liberating and healing experience.

The film was directed by Mary Trunk, assistant professor in the film department, with several Mount connections in the crew: Roman Zenz, cinematographer and film department equipment manager; Lea Smith '22 (Weekend/Evening & Online College), production assistant; Lucky Atkare (MFA alumnus), additional camera, sound; and Lilit Manukyan (alumna) production assistant. The documentary had been in the works for more than a year, and the crew鈥檚 efforts were rewarded with more than 500 people attending its virtual premier hosted by the Prison Contemplative Fellowship and Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition.

鈥淚t's not a magic wand, it's not a silver bullet, it's not a shot of whiskey. It's not something that you realize or understand right away, but it's a process. But the results are very, very real, and they're not an accident.鈥�
- Current Folsom Prison inmate

Trunk was working on another project on restorative justice where she met chaplain Ray Leonardini, who founded the centering prayer practice for inmates. He introduced Trunk to some of the men, and after speaking to them individually and getting to know their stories, she wanted to create the 鈥淗olding Still鈥� documentary that would allow current prisoners and the outside world to understand the power of inner healing

鈥淲e decided we wanted to make a film that really highlighted the vulnerability and the way these men practice this,鈥� says Trunk. 鈥淲e wanted to make sure that it was the men talking, and not necessarily the facilitators. They're the ones who have had the transformation.

鈥淭he film is a way for the general public to become aware of what鈥檚 going on and to have access to the prayer circle in a way that isn't intimidating or preachy, but more emotional and inviting.鈥�

Lawrence, one of the men featured in the film, explains, 鈥淚t's magical for me because it's God healing you in his own ways, and God鈥檚 language for me is silence. But it's a silence that really says something to you.鈥�

Ultimately, Professor Trunk hopes that this film builds that human connection with its viewers and shows that everyone deserves a second chance at life, love and forgiveness.

NOTE: You can view 鈥�,鈥� which is about 22 minutes long, and learn more about . You can also view the movie followed by an unedited hour-long that followed the movie premier. Several of the former inmates featured in the film participated in the panel, as did Trunk and Leonardini.