Thank you so much for this film. I write about film and criminal justice, and I was pained to experience the raw truth of this film. It's largely made up of what I've told people about the experience of incarceration, and I'm thankful that these voices were heard by a wide audience. I wrote about the film here. https://fromtheyardtothearthouse.substack.com/p/weekend-special-you-need-to-see-the
I appreciate the commitment and time put into the project. You all are doing such important work. I am so worried about the inmates who shared their footage and truths, I know they are willing to take the risks but the stakes are so high. I signed the petition, but please let us know how else we can support!
Watching this film now and found your post on Google while trying learn more. I’m so horrified by what’s happening and the callousness of public officials - and how it just goes right up the political chain. Thank you SO MUCH for helping these men have a voice. I wondered: what are the state’s womens prisons like?
I actually began my journey covering Alabama prisons with stories about sexual abuse inside AL's max women's prison- Tutwiler. The feds came in and remedies were put in place in 2014 and things got better for a while, before sliding back into the same BS. I'm working on some reporting now about the women's system. In short, it's not as bloody as the men's, but equally horrific.
As an Ex-Con from the Florida state prison system, watching this was hard. Prison is typically run by the inmates and the officers just watch you work. They will assert dominance here and there but will avoid paperwork like the plague.
I have witnessed some awful shit behind the fence and this movie even shocked me. I think there is so much work that needs done in the way of turning prisons into something more humane.
I will pray for those caught up in the Alabama Horror, as well as their families.
Thank you for the work you have done here! Such a well done documentary.
Watching this pretty much hit it spot on from the institutions I was in during my ten year bid in Florida. This film was so powerful. So necessary. So true.
Beth, I was at the Sidewalk screening last night, and I really appreciated the discussion afterward. Thank you for your work on this film and everything that led up to it. I hope it continues to make waves and create real change.
Thank you all for exposing what ADOC , our Governor, Attorney General, legislators and the biggest law enforcement organization is really made of- corruption, from the bottom up to the top! Prayers for change so othe inmates and families don’t go through what we have! Y’all are Angels!
The men in this documentary have been placed in solitary.
To everyone reading this: please take a moment to call Kilby Correctional Facility.
How can we watch this documentary and then walk away? The Department of Corrections is counting on public attention fading. We need to make clear that it won’t—that people are watching, documenting, and expecting accountability.
📞 Kilby Correctional Facility: (334) 215-6600
You may be told that you need to be “on a contact list.” This is not legally required to ask about the basis or conditions of segregation. You are not requesting direct contact with the individuals—you are asking about their welfare and compliance with ADOC policy.
When you call, please say:
“I am calling to inquire about the current status and wellbeing of Robert Earl Council, Melvin Ray, and Raoul Poole.”
Then ask the following questions:
1. Under which specific ADOC Administrative Regulation were Robert Earl Council, Melvin Ray, and Raoul Poole placed in segregation, and is the placement administrative or disciplinary?
2. Have they received written notice, and when was the most recent required review conducted?
3. What regulation governs phone access in segregation, and can you confirm whether they currently have phone access consistent with ADOC policy?
Before ending the call, please ask:
“May I have your name and title for my notes?”
And then calmly state:
“Please note that people are paying close attention to what happens next. The world is watching.”
Remain respectful. Take notes. Say you will follow up.
Beth, I just watched this & loved it! I shared it with everyone in my circle.
“The degree of civilization in a society can be judged by entering its prisons.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky
Thank you so much for this film. I write about film and criminal justice, and I was pained to experience the raw truth of this film. It's largely made up of what I've told people about the experience of incarceration, and I'm thankful that these voices were heard by a wide audience. I wrote about the film here. https://fromtheyardtothearthouse.substack.com/p/weekend-special-you-need-to-see-the
Just finished watching it. Since following your coverage of the ADOC, I've been vaguely aware of the misery and subhuman conditions...a must see.
AND so upsetting.
Beth, well done in persevering and getting this film made.
Here's The Guardian's rave review ICYMI:
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/oct/12/documentary-the-alabama-solution
I appreciate the commitment and time put into the project. You all are doing such important work. I am so worried about the inmates who shared their footage and truths, I know they are willing to take the risks but the stakes are so high. I signed the petition, but please let us know how else we can support!
Watching this film now and found your post on Google while trying learn more. I’m so horrified by what’s happening and the callousness of public officials - and how it just goes right up the political chain. Thank you SO MUCH for helping these men have a voice. I wondered: what are the state’s womens prisons like?
I actually began my journey covering Alabama prisons with stories about sexual abuse inside AL's max women's prison- Tutwiler. The feds came in and remedies were put in place in 2014 and things got better for a while, before sliding back into the same BS. I'm working on some reporting now about the women's system. In short, it's not as bloody as the men's, but equally horrific.
As an Ex-Con from the Florida state prison system, watching this was hard. Prison is typically run by the inmates and the officers just watch you work. They will assert dominance here and there but will avoid paperwork like the plague.
I have witnessed some awful shit behind the fence and this movie even shocked me. I think there is so much work that needs done in the way of turning prisons into something more humane.
I will pray for those caught up in the Alabama Horror, as well as their families.
Thank you for the work you have done here! Such a well done documentary.
Watching this pretty much hit it spot on from the institutions I was in during my ten year bid in Florida. This film was so powerful. So necessary. So true.
Beth, I was at the Sidewalk screening last night, and I really appreciated the discussion afterward. Thank you for your work on this film and everything that led up to it. I hope it continues to make waves and create real change.
Thanks for coming & spreading the word! 🙏🏻
Thank you all for exposing what ADOC , our Governor, Attorney General, legislators and the biggest law enforcement organization is really made of- corruption, from the bottom up to the top! Prayers for change so othe inmates and families don’t go through what we have! Y’all are Angels!
Many thanks from all of us!
The best carceral film I’ve ever seen that tells it how it is.
The men in this documentary have been placed in solitary.
To everyone reading this: please take a moment to call Kilby Correctional Facility.
How can we watch this documentary and then walk away? The Department of Corrections is counting on public attention fading. We need to make clear that it won’t—that people are watching, documenting, and expecting accountability.
📞 Kilby Correctional Facility: (334) 215-6600
You may be told that you need to be “on a contact list.” This is not legally required to ask about the basis or conditions of segregation. You are not requesting direct contact with the individuals—you are asking about their welfare and compliance with ADOC policy.
When you call, please say:
“I am calling to inquire about the current status and wellbeing of Robert Earl Council, Melvin Ray, and Raoul Poole.”
Then ask the following questions:
1. Under which specific ADOC Administrative Regulation were Robert Earl Council, Melvin Ray, and Raoul Poole placed in segregation, and is the placement administrative or disciplinary?
2. Have they received written notice, and when was the most recent required review conducted?
3. What regulation governs phone access in segregation, and can you confirm whether they currently have phone access consistent with ADOC policy?
Before ending the call, please ask:
“May I have your name and title for my notes?”
And then calmly state:
“Please note that people are paying close attention to what happens next. The world is watching.”
Remain respectful. Take notes. Say you will follow up.