Belly of the Beast
Synopsis
When a courageous young woman and a radical lawyer discover a pattern of illegal involuntary sterilizations in California’s women’s prison system, they take to the courtroom to wage a near-impossible battle against the Department of Corrections. With a growing team of investigators inside prison working with colleagues on the outside, they uncover a series of statewide crimes - from dangerously inadequate health care to sexual assault to coercive sterilizations - primarily targeting women of color. But no one believes them. This shocking legal drama captured over seven years features extraordinary access and intimate accounts from currently and formerly incarcerated women, demanding our attention to a shameful and ongoing legacy of eugenics and reproductive injustice in the United States.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
BELLY OF THE BEAST Documentary Film Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2020-09-11
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
Human Rights Watch Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
March 1, 2022
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Erika Cohn
- Original Score
- Omar Fadel
- Original Title
- Belly of the Beast
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 22m
- Production Studios
- ITVS, Idlewild Films, Tribeca Film Institute, Fork Films, Chicken & Egg Films, Black Public Media, Independent Lens, Women Make Movies
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Erika Cohn
Omar Fadel
Clare Major, Bianca Cline
Tchavdar Georgiev, Jean Kawahara
Erika Cohn, Angela Tucker, Christen Hepuakoamana'a Marquez, Nicole Docta, Geralyn White Dreyfous
Department Leadership Roster
Clare Major
Director of Photography
Erika Cohn
Director
Erika Cohn
Producer
Angela Tucker
Producer
Christen Hepuakoamana'a Marquez
Producer
Nicole Docta
Producer
Tchavdar Georgiev
Editor
Jean Kawahara
Editor
Bianca Cline
Director of Photography
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Belly of the Beast.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Frequently Asked Questions About Belly of the Beast
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Belly of the Beast about?
When a courageous young woman and a radical lawyer discover a pattern of illegal involuntary sterilizations in California’s women’s prison system, they take to the courtroom to wage a near-impossible battle against the Department of Corrections. With a growing team of investigators inside prison working with colleagues on the outside, they uncover a series of statewide crimes - from dangerously inadequate health care to sexual assault to coercive sterilizations - primarily targeting women of color. But no one believes them. This shocking legal drama captured over seven years features extraordinary access and intimate accounts from currently and formerly incarcerated women, demanding our attention to a shameful and ongoing legacy of eugenics and reproductive injustice in the United States.
Who directed Belly of the Beast?
Belly of the Beast was directed by Erika Cohn.
Who stars in Belly of the Beast?
The principal cast of Belly of the Beast includes Kelly Dillon, Cynthia Chandler, Corey Johnson, Courtney Hooks.
When was Belly of the Beast released and how long is it?
Belly of the Beast was released in 2020 with a total runtime of 1h 22m.
Who composed the musical score for Belly of the Beast?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Belly of the Beast was composed by Omar Fadel.