228: Contessa Gayles on "Songs From the Hole" episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 28, 2025 · 24 MIN

228: Contessa Gayles on "Songs From the Hole"

from Pure Nonfiction: Inside Documentary Film · host Thomas Powers

"Songs From the Hole," now playing on Netflix, won the SXSW Audience Award and the Blackstar Jury Prize for its artful approach to telling a story about solitary confinement. "It's eye-opening in a way you may have forgotten your eyes could still be opened," wrote critic Daniel Fienberg in The Hollywood Reporter. Pure Nonfiction host Thom Powers interviews director Contessa Gayles about her career path from working inside CNN to going independent. Her other films include "The Feminist on Cellblock Y" and "The Debutantes."Subscribe to our Substack newsletter Doc Voices.On Instagram: @purenonfiction@thompowers1

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Aug 28, 2025

Embed this episode

NOW PLAYING

228: Contessa Gayles on "Songs From the Hole"

0:00 24:26

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Pure Nonfiction: Inside Documentary Film?

This episode is 24 minutes long.

When was this Pure Nonfiction: Inside Documentary Film episode published?

This episode was published on August 28, 2025.

Can I download this Pure Nonfiction: Inside Documentary Film episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!