Songs Inside Screening (@Flinders University)

Flinders Criminology (College of Business, Government and Law), in partnership with Flinders Screen, Film and TV (College of Humanities and Social Sciences) and Flinders Education (College of Education, Psychology and Social Work), are hosting a screening of 'Songs Inside'.

SONGS INSIDE follows 12 women in an Australian prison who, over six months, discover the transformative power of music. Led by First Nations singer-songwriter Nancy Bates, the women learn how to play an instrument, sing and write their own songs. As the creative process unfolds, the women unearth past traumas and deep fears about life after release. But they also discover that music has the power to heal and inspire hope. Their journey culminates in a performance of their songs with a full symphony orchestra inside the prison.

The documentary provides insight into women’s encounters with the criminal justice system and the crucial role of creative rehabilitation programs. It is part of a broader campaign to challenge stereotypes about women who are incarcerated and support urgent changes to the system.

Watch the film, be moved, and hear from the filmmakers and the women themselves.