On May 14, 2026, Middle Church in New York City will host a special screening of Redemption Time, a 70-minute performance film featuring poet Jimmy Santiago Baca and jazz violinist Christian Howes—artists whose lives were shaped by incarceration and who now give voice to stories of dignity, struggle, and renewal.

Directed by David Gonzalez, the film blends spoken-word poetry, live jazz, and cinematic storytelling into a powerful experience that traces journeys from trauma and incarceration toward healing, belonging, and personal freedom.

This event invites the community to reflect on themes that resonate far beyond the screen—belonging and isolation, judgment and dignity, harm and healing, and the possibility of second chances.

The evening will include the film screening, a panel discussion, and a reception.

Presented in partnership with Rehabilitation Through the Arts (https://rta-arts.org/), this screening also serves as a fundraiser supporting RTA’s work, which uses the arts to help incarcerated individuals develop critical life skills and successfully reintegrate into society.