There are countless music recording studios throughout the African continent, but the first one created in a prison can be found inside New Bell Prison in Cameroon, central Africa. New Bell is one of the most overcrowded prisons in the continent — built for a capacity of 800 incarcerated individuals but now houses nearly 6,000 men. Inside the overpopulated New Bell is “Jail Time Records,” a music studio that serves as a creative hub as well as a therapeutic outlet for the men. “Stone” oversees the Jail Time studio while recording potent tracks alongside other hip hop artists like “Emperor” — a self-ascribed leader among the men who also carries a tempestuous nature — and “Transporter,” a charmer who used to be a getaway driver for a gang. 

The personal ruminations and artistic expressions of these musically-skilled men serve as the pulsating focus of Dione Roach and Steve Happi’s form-pushing, impressive first feature. Dynamically balancing penetrating access and verite with lively musical performances by these men, Jail Time Records is a deeply-intimate exploration into these men’s volatile circumstances, their raw vulnerabilities and hopes for the future — as well as their unbridled artistic aspirations.—Jose Rodriguez