‘Holloway’: life after prison during the UK’s overcrowding crisis

With UK prisons at critical capacity, the government has introduced measures like early releases to ease overcrowding. The new documentary Holloway sheds light on the challenges of reintegration after incarceration.

The documentary debuted during a critical period as the UK faced a prison overcrowding crisis. Prisons had been operating at over 99 per cent capacity since early 2023, and with cells expected to run out within weeks, chancellor Shabana Mahmood announced a September early release scheme in July.

Holloway explores life after early release through intimate conversations with six former inmates, revealing how they reflect on their experiences, navigate life after prison, and challenge the stigma of incarceration.

Life after prison

Granted exclusive access to the Holloway building, the documentary opens with former inmates revisiting Holloway before its demolition. As they walk through the cells, the emotional weight of their pasts is palpable. Some recall the haunting memories of “screams” echoing through the empty rooms.

These women, former inmates of varying ages and backgrounds, come together in Holloway to share their feelings as memories of their incarceration resurface.

Once notorious for its harsh conditions, Holloway is the focus of a documentary that delves into how these women have internalised their trauma, reflected on their experiences before and during imprisonment, and begun to understand how it has shaped them.

Through guided discussions led by a therapist, the film provides a platform for the women to share their stories of abuse and resilience, charting their journeys toward healing and moving forward.

They express varying impressions of their past confinement. Some view it as a site of “nightmare” while others call it a “home” or a “holiday camp” where they can escape from harsh reality. 

After their release from incarceration, the protagonists embarked on new chapters in their lives. Brenda, known as Lady Unchained, has become an advocate for life after prison. She founded Unchained Poetry, a platform for artists with experience in the criminal justice system.

Supporting women through the criminal justice system

Hudson, co-director of the documentary and known for her critically acclaimed documentary “Half Way,” said various factors fuel the rise in crime rates among women. 

“Maybe housing isn't good enough, maybe people's safety isn't being considered, like rising poverty.

“Our film talks about how punishment creates shame, and being in a violent, unsafe environment means that you cannot process internally the things that you need to,” Compton told FairPlanet, adding that many of the women detained have experienced domestic violence or childhood abuse.

She explained that a government focus on being “tough on crime” often means increased funding for policing, which in turn drives higher incarceration rates. She criticised this approach for perpetuating cycles of violence and punishment.

“We see the impact of that down the line of that approach of not aiming to bring compassion and care, but instead bring more violence and punishment.” Added Compton.

Over 60 per cent of women in UK correctional facilities report having experienced domestic violence, with more than half indicating they suffered abuse during childhood.

In response to these issues, authorities recently established the Women’s Justice Board, which focuses on reducing the number of women in custody through early intervention and addressing the root causes of offending. It will provide alternatives to incarceration, such as community sentences and residential centres for women. Authorities hope that this approach will enhance rehabilitation efforts. 

Under the recent early release policy, some prisoners now serve 40 per cent of their sentence in custody, with the remainder served in the community under probation supervision.

“We welcome that the narrative is shifting with this new government and that there's a potential for us to really rethink; who does it serve to lock women up when actually what they need is support and housing?” Compton said.

Holloway had its world premiere at the London Film Festival 2024.

Image by Matthew Ansley.