Letters To Angola—An interview with filmmaker Lauren Muchan

Letters to Angola from joseph sharp on Vimeo.

Letters To Angola—An interview with filmmaker Lauren Muchan

By Angola 3 News

In February, filmmakers Lauren Muchan and Joseph Sharp (from the University of Whales, Newport) were given a Student Television Award from the Royal Television Society for their short film entitled Letters To Angola. The film focuses of Muchan’s correspondence and friendship with Herman Wallace of the Angola 3. Be sure to watch this excellent new film, embedded above.

Angola 3 News: How did you first hear about the Angola 3?

Lauren Muchan: My mum actually found out about the Angola 3 by reading an article on Anita Roddick's website. As she became more and more involved I started to learn about their story, and I was moved to start writing to Herman myself.

A3N: Why do you think the case of the Angola 3 is so important?

LM: It is so important because it highlights the draconian nature of the U.S. prison system, a topic that is largely ignored by mainstream media. When the stories came to light of the tortures that took place in Abu Ghraib people all over the world, including in the U.S. were outraged, and yet this kind of torture is taking place inside America everyday.

A3N: When did you first start writing to Herman Wallace?

LM: I started writing to him in 2005.

A3N: How would you describe him as person?

LM: Herman is the strongest person I know. He has a fantastic sense of humor, and is very clever. He has a big heart. It takes a truly remarkable person to be in his situation and not only maintain some level of sanity, but in fact be an inspiration to so many people.

A3N: What are you communicating with your movie?

LM: The film is essentially about the human spirit. I wanted to tell the story of the Angola 3, but didn't want to make a film that left the viewer feeling crushed. It was important to myself and Joe, to show how strong Herman is. Despite everything he has been through, his spirit has not been broken. This is what makes his story so compelling.

--Angola 3 News is a new project of the International Coalition to Free the Angola 3. Our website is www.angola3news.com where we provide the latest news about the Angola 3. We are also creating our own media projects, which spotlight the issues central to the story of the Angola 3, like racism, repression, prisons, human rights, solitary confinement as torture, and more.