The latest documentary from Indican Pictures, Life & Life, has been making the rounds at film festivals, and it will have a limited release in theatres later this month. There will be an exclusive trailer released before the film is made available to the public, hinting at Reggie Austin’s potential for redemption as a musician and a convicted killer. From the perspective of a flawed parole and sentencing system and the insurmountable task of starting again after serving time, the film depicts Austin’s incarceration.
Furthermore, it demonstrates the measures he has taken since his release from jail 40 years ago to rebuild relationships with the people he cares about and build a future for himself away from the shadow of his conviction. The film will have a limited theatrical release beginning in Los Angeles on October 14, followed by a home release in February of 2023. The teaser begins with footage from Austin’s first public concert since 1979, which took place at the same prison where he had been incarcerated for second-degree murder since 1979: San Quentin. He had recently been refused parole again before that concert, adding to the years of disappointment that had already accumulated in his mind.
Austin committed the perfect crime. He voluntarily confessed, and he was a model inmate; without recent changes to parole legislation, he should have been released from prison a long time ago. Even though he was let free in 2014, his difficulties have just begun. Though only a glimpse is provided, his life outside of prison requires a complete rebuild, including reconnecting with loved ones and relaunching his profession as a musician. N.C. Heikin, director of Sound of Redemption: The Frank Morgan Story, also directed Life & Life, another documentary about a musician who spent a significant portion of their life inside. Austin’s documentary was inspired by Heikin’s earlier film by the same name, which followed the making of a Frank Morgan tribute performance at San Quentin.
Austin’s return to normal life was catalysed by her meeting him onstage during a performance. With that gamble paying off, Heikin’s film went on to win best documentary at the Brooklyn Film Festival and best humanitarian documentary at the Sedona International Film Festival. It was also nominated for Best Documentary on HBO Max. Jack Reacher creator Lee Child and Sammy Davis, Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me executive producer Nicole London is working alongside Heikin on this project as producers. The trailer features Austin’s work on the film’s soundtrack, which features smooth, jazzy music.
Austin started reviving his career after the documentary was shot, with the help of a genuine public performance at the Frank Morgan Taos Jazz Festival. Beginning on October 14 in Los Angeles, Life & Life will chronicle Austin’s incarceration and the subsequent redemptive journey ahead of his home release in February 2023.