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Trapped: Cash Bail in America is a 2020 YouTube Originals documentary film produced and written by Chris L. Jenkins and edited and directed by Garrett Hubbard. The documentary explores the injustice of the American money bail system that detains millions of individuals every year before being convicted of a crime because of their inability to afford bail.

Synopsis
The film explores the growing movement to end the inherent economic and racial inequalities while highlighting victims impacted by an unjust system, the tireless campaigners fighting for criminal justice reform, and a bail industry lobbying to maintain the status quo.

The film features interviews and commentary from formerly incarcerated individuals, impacted families, and representatives from organizations such as the Philadelphia Community Bail Fund, The Bail Project, Koch Industries , Civil Rights Corps , American Civil Liberties Union , Southerners on New Ground, and the American Bail Coalition. These interviewees expand on the life-changing ramifications of wealth based detention and discuss the money bail system from legal, civil, and for profit perspectives. Some of the interviewees qualify that money bail has provided business opportunities for minorities as the sector remains largely dominated by minority owners and women. These interviews are presented alongside statistics and data showcasing how money bail impacts Americans socially and economically.

Release & Accolades
Trapped: Cash Bail in America is a YouTube Originals film that premiered on the Real Stories YouTube Channel on October 12, 2020. The film was released as part of YouTube’s global slate of new and returning projects, dedicated to amplifying Black voices. “Trapped: Cash Bail in America” received 4 best documentary nominations including a 2021 Webby Awards nomination for public service & activism. The film won a Social Impact Award in 2020 from A Show For a Change Film Festival.

Response
“There’s a stigma that if someone has bail, that means they’re automatically guilty. The film shows that’s not the case, and I came away with a greater understanding of the situation and how bail bonds work from watching this film.” The Movie Buff

“Trapped: Cash Bail in America provides a comprehensive picture of the problems with the cash bail system in America, although it largely ignores the solutions to those problems. In doing so, it is a powerful educational tool but falls flat as a call to action.” Film Threat

Cast

 * Brianna Noah
 * William Evans
 * Shirley Martin
 * Darren Noah
 * Maggie Noah
 * Mary Hooks
 * Alec Karakatsanis
 * Cesar McGuire
 * Shannon Peterson
 * Cara Tratner
 * Robin Steinberg
 * Brandon Buskey
 * Jeff Clayton
 * Mark Holden
 * Sheriff Ed Gonzalez

Film Festivals

 * A Show For a Change Film Festival, 2020
 * (In)justice for All Film Festival, 2021
 * International Social Change Film Festival, 2021
 * Whistleblower Film Festival 2021