PLANO, Texas – October 31, 2026 -- Securus Technologies has made the Academy Award-eligible short film "Basement People" available across its network of more than 550,000 secure tablets in U.S. correctional facilities. The film was written by an incarcerated screenwriter.
Securus distributes the film through its Media Store from Oct. 22
The company, which serves more than 1,800 correctional agencies, added the title to the Securus Media Store on Oct. 22, 2026. It frames the release as a way to widen access to content tied to education, rehabilitation and reentry. The film also screens at the 2026 San Quentin Film Festival, now in its third year and described as the first film festival established inside a U.S. prison.
Michigan prison course produced the screenplay
Kyale Akeem Williams wrote the script in a Calvin Prison Initiative screenwriting course at Michigan's Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility. Calvin University professor Geert Heetebrij connected him with Detroit-based director Christine Swanson, whose credits include "The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel" and "Albany Road." Williams and Swanson kept developing the screenplay through JPay accounts on the Securus platform, which also linked Williams to the project's wider support network.
Festival win preceded Academy eligibility
"Basement People" won Best Short Film at the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival and subsequently earned Academy Award eligibility. The story follows Tina, a seven-year-old who retreats to her family's basement after a traumatic incident and finds refuge with her uncle Keith, whom the family has isolated.
Securus ties tablet access to reentry outcomes
Jessica Lust, Chief Product Officer at Securus, said secure tablets connect incarcerated people to educational tools, mentors and collaborators, building skills and motivation she called the foundations of rehabilitation and reentry. Shamia Lodge, Stakeholder Engagement Director, said the company aims to support local organizations that understand community needs.