Lock-Up: The Prisoners of Rikers Island (1994)

Plot

Caught in New York City's justice system and unable to post bail? You'll find yourself at Rikers Island, a sprawling detention center housing 17,000 individuals awaiting trial. Over the course of ten months, journalist Jon Alpert captured the stark realities of life within this massive jail. His documentary offers an unflinching and poignant glimpse into the daily struggles and humanity of the incarcerated, revealing the personal stories beyond mere numbers in a system often criticized for its harsh conditions. Alpert's work shines a light on the complex lives behind bars.