Set Her Free

DIRECTOR(s): JLove Calderón

​PROJECT TYPE: Documentary Long
GENRE: NA

COUNTRY:  United States

RUN TIME:  1:05:00
CAST: Chaplain Dr. Donna Hylton, Cass Severe, Nefessah Goldsmith, Dr. La’Tesha Sampson

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Set Her Free sheds light on the lives of women incarcerated at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility in New Jersey, many of whom are serving long sentences for crimes stemming from their survival of domestic violence. It tells the story of five formerly incarcerated women—Dr. Jamila T. Davis, Donna Hylton, Nafeesah Goldsmith, Dawn Jackson and Cass Severe—who are leading the fight to pass the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act (DVSJA) in New Jersey. With the support of New Jersey Senator Angela McKnight, this documentary showcases the stories of these incarcerated women and the advocates who refuse to let their voices go unheard. 
 
The film also follows Cass Severe’s relentless fight to secure the release of her friend Natasha White, a domestic violence survivor who remains incarcerated at Edna Mahan. Through Cass’s advocacy, the documentary highlights the personal stakes involved in the broader movement for justice reform. Set Her Free demonstrates the power of hope, redemption, and the impact of proper resources and second chances on the lives of these women.