In Inside Maximum Security earlier this year, we saw what the system does behind bars to stop inmates from becoming criminals again upon release.
But that, really, is just half the story.
Given the overwhelming support both for the documentary (Youtube’s #1 trending video in Singapore) and for the featured inmates – most of whom were due for release – we decided to keep tracking them for the other half of the story: What’s done to ease them back into life outside.
Some, having spent years in a single-man jail cell, would have to relearn social skills.
After ironing out the production kinks of season one, we thought making Beyond Maximum Security would be a walk in the park. It was surprisingly challenging.
While the inmates were behind bars, being filmed was the most interesting thing to happen to them. Once they were out in the community… well, life happened, and our shoots became an impediment.
Rusdi – who was released at the end of season one – declined to participate as he just wanted to get on with life out of the media spotlight.
Like many viewers, I am rooting for Khai, Graceson, Boon Keng and Iskandar to have better days ahead. But as you’ll see in our three episodes, the road to redemption is anything but smooth.
