Prison for Profit
Originally released in 2019. Prison for Profit is a documentary film. directed by Ilse van Velzen. At just 83 minutes, it's a tight, focused story.
Synopsis
The Mangaung Prison opened in 2001 as South Africa’s first privately run penitentiary. Its operator, the multi-billion-dollar British security firm G4S, promised the most humane treatment and the best facilities for its nearly 3,000 prisoners—and naturally at the lowest cost. Testimonials from whistleblowers and former prisoners, and the findings of investigative journalist Ruth Hopkins expose the reality of prison privatization. Guards are underpaid, overworked and fear every day for their lives. Prisoners are a source of income, so rehabilitation isn’t a priority. Prison for Profit shows how this profit maximization system works, and what happens when governmental tasks like detention are outsourced to powerful international corporations. And what are the negative consequences for society at large?
Quick Facts
Release Date
November 24, 2019
6 years ago
Runtime
1h 23m
83 minutes total
Language
English
Original language
Country
Netherlands
Production
Directors
Production Details
- Status
- Released
- Original Language
- EN
Production Companies
- IFProductions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Prison for Profit about?
The Mangaung Prison opened in 2001 as South Africa’s first privately run penitentiary. Its operator, the multi-billion-dollar British security firm G4S, promised the most humane treatment and the...
Who directed Prison for Profit?
Prison for Profit was directed by Ilse van Velzen.
How long is Prison for Profit?
Prison for Profit has a runtime of 1 hours and 23 minutes (83 minutes total).
When was Prison for Profit released?
Prison for Profit was released on November 24, 2019 in theaters.