Across the Hall

Directed by

Emília Silveira

A documentary amplifying the voices of women marginalized by Brazil’s penal system. It follows Érica and Núbia, who met in prison and forged a deep bond that endures beyond the bars. Now on parole, they recount stories of abuse, overcrowding, and the erasure of their identities as women. Lacking legal support, they confront these hardships with courage and humor. The film exposes the invisibility and neglect faced by incarcerated women, challenging sensationalist portrayals and urging empathy. It seeks to humanize their experiences, sparking debate about the cruelty and inefficacy of the penal system, and reclaiming the dignity of lives society too easily forgets.