Commuted follows women serving extreme sentences in federal prison who fought for clemency and sentence reductions. The documentary examines the impacts of mandatory minimum sentencing, particularly on women convicted of drug-related offenses, and explores themes of redemption, second chances, and the possibilities for transformation even within the carceral system. The film reveals how draconian sentencing policies have devastated families and communities while following women who refuse to let prison define them.

After the film, we will hear from Frank De Palma, ex-prisoner;.Kevin A. Wright, associate professor and director of the Center for Correctional Solutions at Arizona State University, and Erik Maloney, who is incarcerated at the Red Rock Correctional Center in Eloy, Arizona. 

The film is the first in this spring's Women's History Film Series class, hosted by the Department of Women and Gender Studies. All five films will feature stories of trauma, resilience and recovery. The films feature talk-backs with surviviors of violence, their paths to healing and their advocacy work.  All are open to the public.