Much like books, movies can serve as inspiring forms of creative works.

A group of young men at CoreCivic's Lake City Correctional Facility in Lake City, Florida, were recently part of a pilot program called Reel Resilience, delivered in in partnership with Swank Motion Pictures, which is now up and running in 22 other CoreCivic facilities nationwide.

Reel Resilience presents a series of movies to residents to help inspire personal growth.

“No matter how great our hardships are, there is always someone in a tougher situation,” said one participant involved in Reel Resilience. “This program allows me to appreciate how to turn my hard times into opportunities for growth.”

Participants come to the program with different backgrounds, but the goal is always the same: to help them explore how they can chart a better path for themselves post release.

“When most people think of movies, they imagine entertainment—an escape from daily life,” said Carla Burlesci, manager of treatment and behavioral services at CoreCivic. “But for participants in Reel Resilience, films become something far more powerful: a mirror, a mentor, and a catalyst for growth.”

A couple films on the roster include “American Underdog,” a 2021 movie about Kurt Warner’s rise from undrafted NFL player to Super Bowl hero. Another film is “Coach Carter,” a 2005 biopic starring Samuel L. Jackson, who portrays a high school basketball coach that makes headlines for suspending his undefeated team because of their less-than-stellar grades.

Each movie is followed by a discussion led by a peer facilitator and someone on staff. Questions that support fruitful conversation among participants often begin with: What does it mean to face adversity? How do you rebuild your life after you get knocked down? What does purpose look like for you, and how do you find it?

“That’s why Swank chose such emotional movies, with people having real struggles that show how they fought through it and how they came out on top,” said Burlesci.

Over a six-month period, about two hours a week are devoted to watching each movie, and two more hours are spent doing related activities.

Participants are given pre- and post-tests to measure how their perspectives have shifted during the program.

“I’m truly thrilled to bring Reel Resilience to our facilities. This dynamic, purpose‑driven program creates a safe and powerful space for meaningful conversations, personal growth and real transformation,” shared Burlesci. “It’s an honor to offer a resource that turns films into catalysts for healing, confidence and hope, and I can’t wait to see the incredible growth and renewed sense of purpose it will inspire in the men we serve.”

As of March 2025, Reel Resilience is offered in CoreCivic facilities in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas, with more to come.