Redemption Time: Screening in Community w/ Rehabilitation Through the Arts

On May 14, 2026, at 7:00 PM, Middle Church will host a special screening event 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.

The 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 transformative power of the arts. Admission is free, with optional donations.

The program will begin with live music, followed by the film screening, a panel discussion, and a closing reception. The reception offers attendees an opportunity to connect and reflect on the film’s themes with neighbors, artists, and community partners.

Community partners include Rehabilitation through the Arts and Middle Church. More TBA.

Thursday, May14, 2026

6:00–6:30 PM — Live Music

6:30–7:40 PM — Redemption Time Screening

7:40–8:30 PM — Panel Discussion

8:30–9:30 PM — Reception

Location: Middle Church 112 2nd Ave, New York, NY

Middle Church is located at 112 2nd Ave between 6th and 7th Streets in the East Village neighborhood.

Tickets: Free (suggested donation $20)

Film info and trailer:https://redemptiontimeshow.com/

Redemption Time centers on two artists who emerged from incarceration to become powerful voices for change. The film confronts injustice while lifting up human dignity, creative resilience, and personal healing. Through an intimate blend of artistic forms and storytelling, the work explores universal tensions — belonging and isolation, judgment and dignity, harm and healing — while inviting viewers to look beyond labels and consider what it means to be human, to belong, and to begin again.

“Redemption Time transcends dualities… It’s a profound invitation into the deepest truths of our shared humanity.”— Dr. Peter Candler, Author

Jimmy Santiago Baca is one of the most celebrated poets to emerge from the American Pr*son system. While incarcerated, he taught himself to read and write and went on to become an internationally recognized author. He is the recipient of the American Book Award, the International Poetry Forum’s Shelley Memorial Award, and the Pushcart Prize, and his memoir A Place to Stand received the International Latino Book Award. His work has inspired readers, educators, and justice-impacted communities around the world.

Christian Howes is widely regarded as one of the world's top Jazz violinists. He is the recipient of the Artist Teacher Award from the American String Teachers Association. A former Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music, Christian has performed internationally at the invitation of the U.S. State Department and received numerous awards as an educator and recording artist.

David Gonzalez is an award-winning storyteller, musician, and filmmaker known for his work at the intersection of theater, music, and cultural history. A Joseph Campbell Fellow and recipient of support from the National Endowment for the Arts, he has created acclaimed performance works presented by organizations including Lincoln Center, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Kennedy Center. His storytelling recordings have also been honored by the American Library Association. Gonzalez directed Redemption Time, bringing together poetry, music, and film to explore the human journey from incarceration toward dignity and transformation.

David Gonzalez

Christian Howes

[email protected] (614) 332-8689

Previews of the full film are available upon request by the media.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

112 2nd Ave, 112 2nd Avenue, New York, United States

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