Sign language

BBC Two Northern Ireland

This World

Documentaries

Factual

News

International current affairs documentaries.

BBC Two Scotland

Until 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales (analogue) was known simply as BBC Two Wales. BBC Two Wales (digital) was BBC 2W. From 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales schedules on both analogue and digital became identical

BBC Two Wales

BBC Two England

England

Simulcast of network BBC Two in high definition.

BBC Two HD

Daniel Edge

Sam Bagnall

Sarah Waldron

Elizabeth C. Jones

This World: Life in Solitary

Factual: Crime & Justice

Life in Solitary

21/09/2014

BBC Two - This World, Life in Solitary

Following attempts to reform Maine State Prison's use of solitary confinement.

Following attempts by the new warden of Maine State Prison to reform the practice of solitary confinement, which has seen inmates locked up alone for days, years or even decades.

In America, thousands of prisoners are locked up in solitary confinement for years, even decades. With unique access to the punishment wing of a supermax prison, award-winning director Dan Edge paints a shocking picture of this hidden and often violent world. 

Filmed over six months in Maine State Prison, this film follows the institution's new warden as he tries to reform the system and release some of the prison's most dangerous inmates back into the general population. Unsurprisingly, some of his staff are nervous and resistant to the reforms and he faces a prison culture which has always emphasised punishment over rehabilitation. The film also features younger inmates, inside for less serious crimes, who are driven to shocking self-harm and even suicide by the mental stress of being locked up alone for 24 hours a day.

BBC Two

Knowledge, drama, comedy and the arts for a broad adult audience.

BBC Two is a lively channel of depth and substance, carrying a range of knowledge-building programming complemented by great drama, comedy and arts.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

This World

Life in Solitary

Contributors

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC Two Northern Ireland

About BBC Two