Kristal is a young, ambitious Philadelphian driven to keep families connected to their incarcerated loved ones. But when her father and brother return from prison, she confronts the ultimate question: can she reunite her own family?

SCREENINGS AT 2022 SXSW FILM FESTIVAL
Sunday, March 13 at 11:15 AM – Alamo Lamar B
Filmmakers and Film Participants In-Person for Q&A

Monday, March 14 at 9:00 AM – Online Screening (Available for 48 hours)

Monday, March 14 at 2:45 PM – Alamo Lamar A
Filmmakers and Film Participants In-Person for Q&A’s

Saturday, March 19 at 12:30 PM – Alamo Lamar B

Tickets and more information available here.

SYNOPSIS
Growing up, Kristal watched nearly every man in her life disappear to prison. She channeled that struggle into keeping families connected, both as a social worker and with her van service that drives families to visit loved ones in far-off prisons. But when Kristal’s dad and brother return to Philly, her happiness meets the realization that release doesn’t always mean freedom. Passionate, funny and resilient, Kristal remains determined to carve out a different future — for herself and for her young nephew, Nyvae. Part observational documentary, part family album, A Woman on the Outside is a tender portrait of one family striving to love in the face of a system built to break them. (85 minutes) 

DIRECTORS’ STATEMENT
“Nearly half of Americans have had a close loved one incarcerated. For Black women like Kristal, the odds are even higher. To love someone who’s locked up isn’t a marginal experience – it’s an American one. For six years, we have collaborated with Kristal and her family to make a film about their experience, through the female lens. Braiding Kristal’s photos, videos and voice with our verite footage, we strove to go beyond a story about prison to tell one of family, love and how women care for themselves while caring for others.”
– Zara Katz and Lisa Riordan Seville, February 2022

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Directors: Zara Katz and Lisa Riordan Seville
Producers: Kiara C. Jones, Zara Katz, and Lisa Riordan Seville
Writer: Kiara C. Jones
Editor: Suzannah Herbert 
Composer: Gerald Clayton