The Project

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

HOLDING UP THE SKY is a powerful documentary that follows the intertwined lives of two formerly incarcerated men, Ed and Jimmy, whose stories challenge stereotypes and illuminate pathways to redemption and reentry. Their deeply personal journeys highlight the transformative power of education, mentorship, and opportunity.

OUR MISSION

HOLDING UP THE SKY aims to inspire discussion, advocacy, and social justice actions through stories of returning citizens who provide stable, positive contributions to society and to our economy.

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 story before a larger audience in an easily 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 and Jimmy’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