
Films
Since I Been Down tells the dramatic story of how an American community held captive by 1990’s punitive policies lead children into gangs, violence, and for a false sense of safety, security and prosperity, this community rushed to discard the poorest, targeted brown and black youth into prisons for life. Nearly forty years later, a model and pathway to justice and healing is led from inside prison walls. A pathway uncovering, why children turn to violence, and a model of justice to transform their lives, prisons, justice and our own humanity. This is a story told by those who live it.
Published Work
"Director Gilda Sheppard is a gifted teacher, incisive scholar, committed activist, and a talented filmmaker who's dedicated her life to the education and liberation of poor and oppressed people -- especially black people in the era of mass incarceration. We all owe her a debt of gratitude for her brilliant work and steadfast commitment to justice.”
Michelle Alexander, Civil Rights Attorney; Author “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness”

Awards
"I hope that all of you have seen the amazing film SINCE I BEEN DOWN. If you are not convinced of the liberatory potential of education, I guarantee you will be transformed after seeing this film!” Angela Davis, Activist, Author, Distinguished Professor Emerita UC Santa Cruz

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2023 Docs Without Borders "Best of Fest Youth Issues"
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2023 New York City Independent Festival, Gilda Sheppard for Best Director
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2022 Rotterdam Film Festival, Best Documentary Feature
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2022 Meaningful Movies Project, Turner Legacy Award