In The Land Of The Free

For the UK theatrical release of the film we ran a Letters Campaign which included touring a mock-up of 6’ x 9’ foot cell (the same size as a solitary confinement cell in Angola prison) around the country, highlighting the situation of Albert Woodfox and Herman Wallace and using it for people to ‘post’ letters of support to the pair which were then sent on. The Cell Tour started at the film’s Premiere at the Human Rights Watch International Film Festival at the Ritzy Brixton (where Colin Firth, Livia Firth, Paola De Leo and their colleagues from Brightwide posted the first letter into the cell) and continued around the country, accompanying Q&A screenings at Curzon Soho, Clapham Picture House Cambridge Picture House Cinema, Amnesty International Human Rights Action Centre (London), Kensal Rise Lexi, Edinburgh Cameo and Glasgow Film Theatre. (See photos below)

Over a thousand letters were sent to Herman and Albert. Below are some responses the writer’s received: Please get in touch with your own letter responses via our contact page

‘This film is blazing the trail as far as exposure of the A3 in the UK. I get so much mail from over there you wouldn’t believe it. Edinburgh, Cricklewood, Cambridge and so many others! Sutton, Drayton, Brixton, Middlesex – I need a secretary!!! I got a dumpster full of letters to respond to!’
Herman Wallace to Lauren Muchan, London UK, 2010

‘So you are going to New York to see, THE LAND OF THE FREE. Well, supporters from around the country are telling me they are getting their tickets and flying to NY to see this film! There is quite a buzz around it. Life is not great for me condition wise - but I'm extremely up beat spirit wise from the strong support that is going on around me.’
Herman Wallace to Linda Carmichael, Boston USA, 2010

‘For the past 7 months I’m being held in a bad place. The unit I’ on consist of numerous men with psychiatric problems. They are beating on the metal toilets and sinks all through the night and day, and just scream and holler for no reason at all. My heart goes out to these guys. It don’t take a genius to see these men’s spirit has been broken and security justify their presence here as punishment. I call it what it is – Torture.’
Herman Wallace to Anonymous, 2010

'Piles of mail keep coming in and it is so great.'
Herman Wallace to Anonymous, 2010

'You got the attention of the world and I can't wait for the film to screen here in the US.'
Herman Wallace to Director Vadim Jean, London UK, 2010

'I’ve been sitting here staring at this page trying to find words to say, when I realized that no words will ever convey how grateful I am for what you have done for us.'
Albert Woodfox to Director Vadim Jean, London UK, 2010

'I have received over 400 letters from England and Scotland (they are still coming)'
Albert Woodfox to Anonymous, 2010

'Thank you, and all those who have picked up (Anita's) call for freedom and justice for the A3.'
Albert Woodfox to Anonymous, 2010