Browse films

Imprisoned for Profit

John Wright
United States, 2020, 13 min.

In English.
This film is family friendly.

Phoenix attorney John Dacey quit his private practice to focus on challenging the existence of the private prison industry, which he believes exploits the convicted for profit. He and his team plan to bring a case against the industry all the way to the Supreme Court.

Director's Statement

This short doc is really a labor of love, on a topic that I hadn't known much about before I met John Dacey, the lawyer interviewed for the film, last year. I am convinced that this Arizona-based story, about a man who left his job to mount a steep challenge, is an important one. My co-producer Cassandra Nicholson and editor Kennedi Martin jumped in because they both feel strongly about the issue. Together, we wanted to set out the issue and themes simply but powerfully, and then leave it with the viewer to respond!

Category: Documentary, Arizona Film, Short Doc.
Themes: Human Spirit, Prison, Social Justice.

More in Documentary

  • Middle Grounds

    Middle Grounds

    Kevin Smokler & Christopher Boone
    United States, 2026, 27 min.

    A documentary short about Bison Coffeehouse, a Northeast Portland hub for coffee, community, and conversation — things that unite us when so much divides... more ›

  • No Baby on Board

    No Baby on Board

    Julia Kots
    United States, 2025, 79 min.

    When the filmmaker tries to donate her frozen eggs, she delves into a hilarious and heartbreaking debate about why women are opting out of motherhood... more ›

  • Still Standing

    Still Standing

    Victor Tadashi Suarez
    United States, 2026, 10 min.

    After the Los Angeles wildfires leave thousands of homes contaminated with toxic ash, residents face an impossible choice: should they risk their health to... more ›