MFA graduate produces CNN documentary, “The Feminist on Cellblock Y”

Emma Lacey-Bordeaux, UGA online MFA graduate, began her journey on making what has become CNN’s “The Feminist on Cellblock Y” while she was still here at UGA. Now, the initial interview has progressed into a full-length 75-minute documentary about a group of convicted felons in a California prison struggling with their own personal concepts of masculinity. The documentary is available online now at CNNgo.

When asked about her experiences on the project and her time at UGA, Lacey-Bordeaux had this to say: “CNN’s The Feminist on Cellblock Y follows a group of convicted felons as they wrestle with their own concepts of masculinity. The narrative storytelling provides an intimate look at an unexpected conversation taking place in one of the most violent and restricted places in our society. Over seventy-five minutes viewers will follow along as men in California prison tackle topics of patriarchy and feminism as a means of rehabilitation. I first interviewed Richard Edmond Vargas, the group’s leader, during my time in the inaugural class of Grady’s Masters of Fine Arts Narrative Media Writing program. My mentors in the program, as well as my peers, nurtured my creativity as I spent many hours reporting and wrestling with the story. As I celebrate the release of this work, I remain grateful for all the support I found at UGA!”

About the UGA Low-Residency MFA Program

This two-year low-residency program is designed to train writers who will be published and produced. The program offers students an unparalleled opportunity to develop narrative journalism and screenwriting skills that will equip them for long and varied careers. The program features a committed and diverse roster of accomplished authors, screenwriters, literary agents and other industry professionals who work closely with students to inspire and support each writer’s emerging craft and voice.

About CNN’s The Feminist on Cellblock Y

From within the cinder block walls of an all-male prison, an unlikely rehabilitation program is giving a group of convicted felons a new lease on life — all they have to do is challenge everything they were taught about what it means to “be a man.” Streaming on CNNgo starting April 18th.