The Project

How does an ex-felon rebuild his life after 19 years in prison? 

HOLDING UP THE SKY is a powerful non-fiction film that profiles the dramatic life story of Ed Jordan. Incarcerated as a youth for a tragic mistake, Ed educated himself while inside the walls. On release, he was ready for change. He was accepted as an apprentice ironworker and rose to become a journeyman welder — and entrepreneur. Through his own company, Ed hires other “returning citizens” whom he mentors to their own successful outcomes. Throughout it all, he reflects on the lives of those he left behind.

OUR MISSION

HOLDING UP THE SKY aims to inspire discussion, advocacy, and action relating to social justice for both returning citizens and those serving time – all through Ed’s compelling story.

THE FILM IS PART OF A LARGER PROJECT

The HOLDING UP THE SKY project has four main parts:

• Film and website: gives guidance to ex-felons and their support communities
• Educational modules: provides resources for engagement, discussion, and learning
• Podcast: connects those on the inside with the power of narrative and music
• Graphic novel: gets the broader story before a larger audience in an accessible form

PROJECT GOALS

We will use HOLDING UP THE SKY to:

• Provide hope and direction for people incarcerated and formerly incarcerated, their families and support communities

• Illuminate the realities of Ed’s life history through his first-person narrative

• Motivate policy makers and others to combat inequality and injustice toward marginalized communities

• Change the sentence of “lifetime parole” to a term-limited parole period

• Encourage business leaders to engage with and support social justice initiatives

• Increase access to prison education programs

• Reaffirm the idea that a person returning from incarceration can make invaluable contributions to society

• Support vocational training initiatives