Documentary to Screen at Phoenix, LA Black, and Ann Arbor Film Festivals

A prison documentary created by Sharim, a member of the University of California, Merced community, has been recognized with an award at the Phoenix Film Festival.

The recognition comes as the project begins a series of screenings at various film festivals across the United States. According to reports from the UC Merced Newsroom, the documentary is scheduled to be screened on May 9, 2026, at the LA Black Film Festival in Los Angeles.

Following the Los Angeles appearance, the film will be presented from June 7 to June 8, 2026, at the Ann Arbor Film Festival in Michigan.

The documentary focuses on the prison system, utilizing the medium of film to examine the conditions and systemic issues associated with incarceration. While the specific category of the award won at the Phoenix Film Festival was not detailed in the initial announcement, the accolade highlights the academic and creative efforts coming out of UC Merced.

The upcoming screenings at the LA Black Film Festival and the Ann Arbor Film Festival provide the project with platforms to reach diverse audiences and engage in dialogue regarding the American carceral state. The LA Black Film Festival specifically focuses on highlighting the contributions and perspectives of Black filmmakers and stories, while the Ann Arbor Film Festival is known for its emphasis on experimental and independent cinema.

The project represents a convergence of social research and cinematic storytelling. By documenting the realities of the prison system, the work aims to bring visibility to populations and issues that are often sidelined in mainstream public discourse.

The award at the Phoenix Film Festival serves as a preliminary validation of the film’s impact before it moves into its summer festival circuit. The transition from a university-affiliated project to an award-winning festival entry underscores the role of academic institutions in fostering critical social commentary through the arts.