Songs from the Hole

Songs from the Hole is a documentary visual album about JJ'88, a musician who was given a life sentence when he was 15 years old. The film explores how he used songwriting to maintain hope while spending time in solitary confinement.

Directed by Contessa Gayles, this project was the first of two films she released in 2024, preceding The Debutantes. Gayles also served as a producer and co-writer alongside James Jacobs. The production was a United States venture involving Impact Partners, Artemis Rising, and Cocomotion Pictures. The cast features James Jacobs and Indigo Mateo appearing as themselves. The final film has a runtime of 97 minutes and blends elements of music and drama.