Documentary Films 19.06.2026, 20:20

"Jail Time Records" Documentary Wins Big at Tribeca – Inside Cameroon's First Prison Recording Studio

The award-winning documentary "Jail Time Records" captures the powerful story of Cameroon's first prison recording studio inside Douala New Bell. Co-directed by Dione Roach and former inmate Steve Happi, with executive producers Taika Waititi and Rita Ora, the film follows inmate artists Empereur, Transporteur, and Stone. Now streaming profits are split 50/50 with the artists.

A Historic Win for "Jail Time Records" at Tribeca

The documentary Jail Time Records is making waves after securing three prestigious awards at the Tribeca Festival. The film offers an immersive, intimate look inside Cameroon's overcrowded Central Prison of Douala New Bell, where a recording studio has become a beacon of hope for inmates.

The Birth of a Revolutionary Prison Studio

In 2018, Italian visual artist Dione Roach – who has called Cameroon home for nearly a decade – teamed up with Steve Happi, a former inmate at the prison, to establish Jail Time Records. It became the first recording studio of its kind inside an African prison.

Over several years, the co-directors documented the journeys of three budding inmate performers: Empereur, Transporteur, and Stone. Their raw talent and resilience form the emotional core of the film.

Hollywood Heavyweights Join the Mission

The project gained significant momentum when the co-directors partnered with Academy Award-winning filmmaker Taika Waititi. He brought on board Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Luciana Damon of Artists Equity, who provided creative production services, finishing funds, and worldwide sales representation.

Waititi and his wife, British singer Rita Ora, serve as executive producers, adding star power to this powerful social-impact documentary.

Music Beyond Bars – Streaming and Fair Profits

The inmates' music is now available on major platforms including:

Spotify

Bandcamp

Other digital music services

Jail Time Productions operates with a transparent and ethical profit-sharing model:

50% of streaming profits go directly to the artists.

The remaining 50% is reinvested into social impact projects.

What's Next for Jail Time Records?

Roach, Happi, and Waititi have shared plans to expand the recording studio initiative and bring the film to wider audiences. The documentary continues to spark conversations about rehabilitation, creativity, and second chances within prison systems across Africa and beyond.