Prison for Profit

Whistleblowers, prisoners and an investigative journalist paint a shocking picture of South Africa's first privatized prison where profit maximization is the priority.

Testimonials from whistleblowers and former prisoners, and the findings of investigative journalist Ruth Hopkins expose the reality of prison privatization. Guards are underpaid, overworked and fear every day for their lives. Prisoners are a source of income, so rehabilitation isn't a priority. PRISON FOR PROFIT shows how this profit maximization system works, and what happens when governmental tasks like detention are outsourced to powerful international corporations. And what are the negative consequences for society at large?

84' / colour

Original title: PRISON FOR PROFIT
Dir: Ilse & Femke van Velzen
Prod: IFproductions (NL)
Co-prod: EO Docs (NL)
Sc: Ilse van Velzen, Femke van Velzen
D.O.P.: Hans Bouma, Rogier Timmermans
Completed: November 2019
Language: English

Ilse & Femke van Velzen:
A HAUNTING HISTORY (2016, doc), JUSTICE FOR SALE (2011, doc), WEAPON OF WAR (2009, doc) Awards: Golden Calf Best Documentary-Netherlands FF, FIGHTING THE SILENCE (2007, doc) Award: Al Jazeera Award, RETURN TO ANGOLA (2004, doc), BUSHKIDS (2002, short doc).

IFproductions
Ph: +31 6 422 96 948
ilse@ifproductions.nl
www.ifproductions.nl