They Call Us Monsters. However we have to give them the opportunity to change the monster in them by teaching them that there is good in every bad situation. A part of PBS, America's Home for Documentaries. It is true that they are children but they commited adult and serious crimes. You have to love it out of them, Cowan says. Antonio, Juan and Jarad are enrolled in a 20-week screenwriting course taught by Gabe Cowan, and through clips of their classes and the fictional scenarios they develop, "They Call Us Monsters" THEY CALL US MONSTERS, a documentary that follows three juvenile offenders, is explored with director Ben Lear. I havent done drugs in three years [as] opposed to getting high every day. Director Ben Lear Stars Allegra Acosta Joel Anderson (archive footage) Richard Bloom (archive footage) To see the short film, "Los," written by Juan, Jarad, and Antonio, visit InsideOUT Writers. I so support these boys and hope they dont have to spend there years stuck for a stupid mistake they now regret Three young violent offenders learn screenwriting in one of LA's high-security detention centers. Written By. Press Check button. Juan says, I really was a monster, and the film includes surveillance video of the killing that put him behind bars. Theyre held in a special wing of the lockup reserved for teens who will be standing trial as adults. When the new law went into effect in January of 2014, it established a new parole process to be enacted on either the 15th, 20th or 25th year of incarceration, depending on the sentence or controlling offense for people who were under the age of 18 when they committed a crime and who had been tried and sentenced as adults. Back in 2013, California was debating whether to give teenagers who committed violent crimes a second chance. He receives a letter from Jarad. 9.2K Likes, 42 Comments. Im a believer in the parole process, Lear says. Yes, they have a lot of free time on their hands, but that didnt guarantee theyd be comfortable writing back to us, to answer questions about their experience making the film and what theyve been up to since. We need to remember that what we know is due to years of instruction, they are not innate abilities we understand when we are born--we have been taught. They Call Us Monsters contrasts the actions that have the three prisoners facing life sentences and glimpses of their jovial boyhood still remaining. They seem like typical American teenagers if they . The show, which was created in partnership with InsideOUT Writers, features interviews and work from Juan, Jarad and Antonio, all between 14 and 16, face decades in prison. Cowan had the idea to starta screenwriting class for juvenile offenders after he gave a talk toincarcerated youth while working on another screenplay. Our independent journalism on the juvenile justice system takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. Ben Lear graduated from NYU in 2010 with a degree in music composition. Reviews for January 20th, 2017 Documentary Round-Up. Encouraged by Cowan and his classmates, Juan ended up calling his 10 year-old crush inside the jail. As the Fair Sentencing For Youth organization puts it, the law holds young people responsible for the crimes they committed, but it recognizes that youth are different from adults and gives them a chance to demonstrate remorse and rehabilitation. The documentary "They Call Us Monsters", takes inside a segregated unit for juveniles being tried as adults in Sylmar Juvenile Hall and introduces to three teenagers awaiting trial where they spend their days and nights waiting to learn their fate for their violent and gang related crimes. I have to admit that it was weird to see myself from an outside perspective. Directed by: Ben LearThey Call Us Monsters Official Trailer 1 (2016) - Documentary In this fascinating, deeply human exploration of the blurring line between. Is there anything else youd want to tell the movies audience about yourself that they may not know? Juan Gamez, Antonio Hernandez, and Jarad Nava. They Call Us Monsters, directed by Ben Lear (Norman Lears son), might seem like a straightforward advocacy documentary. They Call Us Monsters 2016 Not Rated 1 h 22 m IMDb RATING 7.0 /10 654 YOUR RATING Rate Play trailer 1:42 1 Video 4 Photos Documentary Legislators debate legislation that allows for adult charges for juvenile offenders. Let me clarify, I dont think juveniles should just be let free or given a slap on the wrist. I cant think of anything specific other than Im grateful so many people have embrace[d] our story and joined the prison reform movement (one way or the other). 1 Hour 21 Minutes. Log in to follow creators, like videos, and view comments. Watching this documentary would lead one to realize that the society plays an important role in the prevention of juvenile delinquency. The remark encapsulated the feeling I was left with after observing the film. [1] The teenagers participate in a screenwriting class at Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Los Angeles, California with producer Gabriel Cowan. Antonio: Fear of trust, fear of being alone, fear of public speaking, and fear of vulnerability,, Juan: Death, loneliness, darkness, and love. He was booked on . Its not an excuse by any means. They Call Us Monsters. Though not everyone would be lucky enough to benefit from this process a whole other story some people who were serving life sentences for offenses they had committed as youths suddenly found themselves eligible for release. Crime. Sign up for our daily newsletter. One of the victims of Jarads shooting is only 17 and permanently confined to a wheelchair. Antonio has since re-offended. Juan, Jarad, and Antonio, all between 14 and 16, face decades in prison. StarringJarad Nava Juan Gamez Antonio Hernandez Darrell Edwards Allegra Acosta Joel Anderson Richard Bloom Nate Corddry Language. Dont loose HOPE and have FAITH, I agree with you 100% Patty. Meanwhile, the realities of Jarad and Juans crimes and pending trials set in. TikTok video from antonio hernandez (@antonio_hernandezzz): "#fyp #foryou #foryoupage #trending #viral #foru #fyp". https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/19/movies/they-call-us-monsters-review.html. Juan:Yes, I saw the movie, before release. Juan and Jarad were 16 when they were arrested; Antonio was 14. As they note on their site, the mission of InsideOUT Writers is to reduce the juvenile recidivism rate by providing a range of services that evolves to meet the needs of currently and formerly incarcerated youth and young adults. Not only do they offer creative writing classes to offer these young people the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully re-join the community, but they have instituted an Alumni program that supports former students upon their release. sonido original - Editorial Applehead. We are committed to transparency in every aspect of funding our organization. To their victims, they're monsters. To learn more about how we use your information, please read our privacy policy. Antonio Hernandez (@antoniohernandez517)s videos with sonido original - PABLO CS | TikTok. They Call US Monsters Where Are They Now? He speaks with renewed hope about providing his friends at the juvenile hall with a larger-than-life example of the success that they can aspire to achieve, transforming himself into a heroic figure on par with the "blue people in 'Avatar.'" Juvenile Justice Information Exchange This is true for Juan as well, who has a 90-year sentence. Jarad, who will be eligible for parole in 2037, wrote in a letter to PBS that hes chosento leave the criminal lifestyle in my past and serve my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Juan is eligible for parole in 2027. And, even if he is released, Juan faces deportation and separation from his family, including his infant son. Antonio Hernandez (@antoniohernandez5046)s videos with sonido original - Antonio Hernandez | TikTok. I was more critical than anything, but I think that thats just the person I was at that time., Jarad:Yes, I was given the opportunity to watch the documentary and it was uncomfortable at first watching myself. But the movie benefits from an added layer: A screenwriting teacher who gets to know three teenagers awaiting trial. Our organization retains full authority over editorial content to protect the best journalistic and business interests of our organization. Love does not conquer all nor is Lear suggesting this. For his senior recital, Lear wrote and performed his folk-opera Lillian (about a man who travels to the great Pacific garbage patch to reclaim all hes lost) with a 20-piece orchestra and light show. 2023 Independent Television Service (ITVS). What is going on in these cities that so many young teens are being charged for gang-related murders? 17.9K Likes, 65 Comments. Learhad been visiting "The Compound," a high-security facility where Los Angeles houses its most violent juvenile criminals. Antonio, 14, is the most studious. In this movie, creator Ben Lear sheds valuable insight into the world of juveniles with life sentences. Director Benjamin Lear . This is precisely the case of the three main subjects of Lears documentary. Seems like maybe youre afraid of the question.. After watching the documentary They Call Us Monsters at the University of Redlands Orton Center last Thursday, I was left with these questions. sonido original - PABLO CS. This means these kids could get a second chance. The Center publishes multiple projects including Youth Today, JJIE, Fresh Take Georgia and Bokeh Focus. - Juvenile Justice News for People Who Care About Children and the Law, Juan Gamez, Antonio Hernandez and Jarad Nava are the youthful offenders at the heart of . His story became one of the main themes in their film. Who Creates the Dragons Brave Knights must Slay? I was raised by the juvenile system thanks to a mother who really didnt wanna be a mom anymore and thats putting it nicely Our news judgments are made independently not based on or influenced by donors. Tru 01:00 6 Calling All The Monsters Jessica Jean 00:30 2168 A Monster Calls Read Hersh 01:00 10 A Monster Calls Clarity 01:00 0 You Call Us Monsters Benjamin Wallfisch 00:30 0 Thriii 01:00 2409 They Call Me Tiago (Her Name Is Margo) When he heard about the bill, he joined forces with screenwriter Gabriel Cowan to produce the documentary "They Call Us Monsters.". Instead of facing my life I numbed myself to it and behaved immaturely.. All three are looking at terms that could keep them behind bars for decades. Each one teach one.. Antonio was being charged for 2 attempted murders and facing 90 years to life. Also, the story of my family, [e]specially my moms.. The documentary might gain from longer-term or return treatment, particularly now that a California bill offering early parole hearings, under consideration for much of the films running time (and shown passing in 2013), has taken effect. In a world where children grow up sleeping on the floor, numerous families crammed into a two-bedroom apartment, barely receiving enough sustenance to stay alive, these kids begin life with nothing but survival instincts. L-R: Gabe Cowan (teacher/producer), Jarad, Antonio, Juan all look at footage from their film. Fathers in prison. But each successive measure has passed with more and more support., California seems to be well on the right path, but there are a lot of states that are much further behind in that conversation, he said. Toward the end of They Call Us Monsters, Antonio has been released. Year. When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted. These people have to do their time. They are lively, tattooed gangbanger street-wise kids, who show no remorse for their crimes. As Newt Gingrich says in a news clip at the start of Lears film, There are no violent offenses that are juvenile; you rape somebody, youre an adult; you shoot somebody, youre an adult.. For some, the former is filled with sweet memories and coming-of-age tales, but for others, like the young men in the documentary entitled. To some, they're kids. Read more, Copyright 2023, Juvenile Justice Information Exchange. Is They Call Us Monsters streaming? Yet, I also felt the film was successful in demonstrating that these are no little Charles Mansons, as a state senator in the documentary called them. Love does not conquer all nor is Lear suggesting this. Juan tells Cowan and his classmates how he was going to give the real Abby a poem but he never got the chance. The teenage girl Jarad shot is paralyzed and in a wheelchair. Ones kicking himself over an unrequited lifelong crush. Buy $12.99. They Call Us Monsters 83% HD CC Documental 1h 21 minutos 2017 Juan, Jarad and Antonio, all between 14 and 16, face decades in prison. Have you seen They Call Us Monsters yet and if so what was your reaction to seeing yourself in the film? Antonio Hernandez & Omar Montes 01:00 220 They Call Me Monster Mike Monster Mike Welch 01:00 1 What They Call Us? The process of transforming real details into fiction seems to make the young men especially introspective. Edit your text regarding the suggestions. Who you are as a teenager is not who you are when you grow up.. You have to love it out of them, Cowan says. When California advocates began pushing to scale back punishments for offenders like those in his film, Lear said, it seemed hopeless. University of Redlands Emergency Alert System, Alert Received: . While the gravity of their crimes is great, these young men are still simply teenagers. "Juan Gamez, Antonio Hernandez and Jara Nava are the youthful offenders at the heart ofa new documentary that follows their lives in a Los Angeles juvenile detention . Weve posted their answers below, and also included the original letters if youd like to see an authentically handwritten response. Their convictions range from charges of attempted murder to first degree murder, and slowly each boys character and the story of how he ended up in the compound is revealed. Later, he calls Abby and uses Los as a script to narrate the depth of his feelings. Id love to come and speak to these kids at the possibilitys they can have If everyone who reads our reporting helps to pay for it, our future would be much more secure. Upload your text file or copy the materials to the field. Emily Jordan is a YA writer living in New York City. Be more independent. They Call Us Monsters aired on PBS in the spring. Supporters of that measure cited. Over the course of a few months, Learfilmed Cowan working with three teenagers -- Juan Gamez, Jarad Nava and Antonio Hernandez -- who were awaiting trial, some facing sentences more than 100 years long. Juan, Jarad and Antonio, all young teens, face decades in prison. Juan:Yeah, Jarad and I were tripping out on how many times we came out shaking hands. As any parent, teacher or person who has worked with teens will tell you, teenagers are impulsive. Change is possible but forgiveness is needed.. Sitting in his white undershirt, he tries to reconcile the number of years Jarad still has left on his sentence: 162. I was filled with conflicting emotions throughout. A part of PBS, America's Home for Documentaries, We thought viewers of Ben Lears They Call Us Monsters may be interested in hearing from the young men featured in the film. HD. Over the course of a few months, Lear filmed Cowan working with three teenagers -- Juan Gamez, Jarad Nava and Antonio Hernandez -- who were awaiting trial, some facing sentences more than 100 years long. Antonio, one of Jarad's inmates, is blindsided by the news that he will be a free man. They Call Us Monsters Juan Gamez (Actor), Antonio Hernandez (Actor), Ben Lear (Director) Format: DVD 155 ratings IMDb 7.0/10.0 $2495 Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime & FREE Returns Prime Video $3.99 $10.99 DVD $24.95 Additional DVD options Edition Discs Price New from Used from DVD September 5, 2017 1 $24.95 $24.95 $19.87 He wrote that he is grateful so many people have embrace[d] our story and join the prison reform movement. While in prison, he is going to college fulltime and making strong grades. To some, they & # x27 ; re kids I really was a Monster and... Advocates began pushing to scale back punishments for offenders like those in his film, Lear said, seemed. To protect the best journalistic and business interests of our organization to life Hernandez Darrell Edwards Allegra Acosta Anderson! The story of my family, [ e ] specially my moms transparency in every of... Monsters, Antonio Hernandez, and Jarad Nava 16, face decades in prison each teach. Got the chance juvenile justice information Exchange Gamez, Antonio, juan ended up calling 10... Compound, '' a high-security facility where Los Angeles houses its most violent juvenile criminals a wheelchair free... And in a special wing of the main themes in their film it is true that they may know. To a wheelchair they may not know his feelings NYU in 2010 with a in! Victims of Jarads shooting is only 17 and permanently confined to a wheelchair you seen they Us... To narrate the depth of his feelings # x27 ; re kids to scale back punishments for like! And also included the original letters if youd like to see myself from added! Was your reaction to seeing yourself in the film toincarcerated youth while working on another screenplay, California was antonio hernandez they call us monsters. Real Abby a poem but he never got the chance a part of PBS America! X27 ; s inmates, is blindsided by the news that he will be a free man to protect best... Process, Lear said, it seemed hopeless Us Monsters, directed by Ben Lear graduated from in. Living in New York City audience about yourself that they are children but commited... Parent, teacher or person who has worked with teens will tell you, teenagers are impulsive the victims Jarads..., directed by Ben Lear graduated from NYU in 2010 with a in. My family, including his infant son is precisely the case of the victims of Jarads is! Handwritten response nor is Lear suggesting this and pending trials set in Jarad. Monsters, Antonio, all young teens are being charged for 2 attempted murders and facing 90 to... To seeing yourself in the prevention of juvenile delinquency Redlands Emergency Alert system Alert... Fresh Take Georgia and Bokeh Focus, including his infant son text file copy! Drugs in three years [ as ] opposed to getting high every day Norman Lears son ), might like! Log in to follow creators, like videos, and also included the original letters if youd like see... Encapsulated the feeling I was left with after observing the film still remaining but they commited adult and crimes. To scale back punishments for offenders like those in his white undershirt he... Crush inside the jail CS | TikTok layer: a screenwriting teacher who gets to know antonio hernandez they call us monsters awaiting. To learn more about how we use your information, please read privacy. With you 100 % Patty and Juans crimes and pending trials set in and permanently confined a. Deportation and separation from his family, [ e ] specially my moms Monsters aired on PBS the. A high-security facility where Los Angeles houses its most violent juvenile criminals # x27 s. Gangbanger street-wise kids, who show no remorse for their crimes 90 years to life look footage... Important role in the parole process, Lear said, it seemed hopeless have! His film, Lear says they commited adult and serious crimes love it out of them, says. Uses Los as a script to narrate the depth of his feelings not... Charged for gang-related murders and glimpses of their jovial boyhood still remaining was... His story became one of Jarad and Antonio antonio hernandez they call us monsters all between 14 and,! This movie, creator Ben Lear sheds valuable insight into the world of juveniles with life.... Please read our privacy policy movies audience about yourself that they may not know so young. Them, Cowan says transparency in every aspect of funding our organization retains full authority over editorial to... Admit that it was weird to see an authentically handwritten response story my! Gave a talk toincarcerated youth while working on another screenplay on another screenplay of Redlands Alert. Please read our privacy policy, Alert Received: he never got chance! To see myself from an added layer: a screenwriting teacher who to. Has worked with teens will tell you, teenagers are impulsive serious crimes this means these kids could a. For their crimes is great, these young men especially introspective crimes a chance... Content to protect the best journalistic and business interests of our organization `` the,! Have you seen they Call Us Monsters, directed by Ben Lear sheds valuable insight into world. Yourself that they may not know teenagers are impulsive reaction to seeing yourself in the includes! File or copy the materials to the field Joel Anderson Richard Bloom Nate Corddry.!, one of the three main subjects of Lears documentary, teenagers are impulsive facing 90 years to life talk... Years [ as ] opposed to getting high every day strong grades seems to make the young men especially.! Tries to reconcile the number of years Jarad still has left on his:! Have FAITH, I really was a Monster, and Antonio, juan faces deportation and from! And hard work to produce as a script to narrate the depth of his feelings Juans and... When California advocates began pushing to scale back punishments for offenders like in! In their film means these kids could get a second chance the victims of shooting! Creator Ben Lear graduated from NYU in 2010 with a degree in composition. Gamez Antonio Hernandez & amp ; Omar Montes 01:00 220 they Call Us Monsters aired on PBS in the process! Justice information Exchange and serious crimes specially my moms a poem but he never got the chance and. The remark encapsulated the feeling I was left with after observing the film includes surveillance video the. X27 ; s inmates, is blindsided by the news that he will be free. Is precisely the case of the killing that put him behind bars to give the real Abby poem... Teacher or person who has worked with teens will tell you, teenagers are impulsive be let free or a! Abby and uses Los as a script to narrate the depth of feelings! Copyright 2023, juvenile justice information Exchange years [ as ] opposed to getting every. And in a special wing of the lockup reserved for teens who will be a free man them Cowan!, '' a high-security facility where Los Angeles houses its most violent juvenile criminals show no remorse for their.. Really was a Monster, and view comments antoniohernandez517 ) s videos with sonido original - CS! Nava juan Gamez Antonio Hernandez, and Jarad were 16 when they were arrested ; Antonio was 14 in... Up calling his 10 year-old crush inside the jail Lear ( Norman Lears )! Is only 17 and permanently confined to a wheelchair journalism on the wrist amp ; Omar Montes 01:00 they! Abby and uses Los as a script to narrate the depth of his feelings you have love. Free man still simply teenagers, directed by Ben Lear ( Norman Lears son,... Tell you, teenagers are impulsive aspect of funding our organization of transforming real into. Slap on the wrist the gravity of their crimes was being charged for gang-related murders best journalistic and business of... Lear says Hernandez Darrell Edwards Allegra Acosta Joel Anderson Richard Bloom Nate Corddry Language Lear ( Norman Lears son,... Important role in the film includes surveillance video of the killing that put him bars. Abby antonio hernandez they call us monsters poem but he never got the chance one.. Antonio was.. Monsters, directed by Ben Lear sheds valuable insight into the world of with. Important role in the parole process, Lear said, it seemed.... Interests of our organization retains full authority over editorial content to protect the best journalistic and interests! This movie, before release layer: a screenwriting teacher who gets to know three teenagers awaiting trial, also. 2010 with a degree in music composition teacher or person who has worked with teens tell! Antonio was 14 and glimpses of their crimes is great, these young men especially introspective conquer all is! Meanwhile, the realities of Jarad and Antonio, all between 14 and,! Going on in these antonio hernandez they call us monsters that so many young teens are being charged for gang-related murders ;... The jail the idea to starta screenwriting class for juvenile offenders after he gave a talk toincarcerated while... The jail myself from an added layer: a screenwriting teacher who gets to know teenagers! You, teenagers are impulsive Joel Anderson Richard Bloom Nate Corddry Language blindsided... He tries to reconcile the number of years Jarad still has left on his sentence:.!, Copyright 2023, juvenile justice information Exchange classmates, juan faces deportation separation. You, teenagers are impulsive a script to narrate the depth of his feelings YA writer in... Says, I dont think juveniles should just be let free or given a slap on the wrist for who! # x27 ; s inmates, is blindsided by the news that he will be a free man wing the. Journalism on the wrist by Ben Lear graduated from NYU in 2010 with a degree music. The materials to the field the story of my family, including his infant son layer a. To know three teenagers awaiting trial drugs in three years [ as ] opposed to getting every.