"Beyond" Film Forum
11/06/2026
Johnson shared her personal journey from incarceration to becoming a filmmaker, explaining how her experiences shaped her commitment to telling stories about people and communities often overlooked by society.
Bluffton University Forum explores healing and life beyond incarceration
Bluffton University welcomed Asia Johnson, director of storytelling and media productions at Zealous, who presented “Beyond: A Film Screening Taking Us Beyond and Building Better” as part of the university's Film Series Forum on Nov. 3.
Johnson shared her personal journey from incarceration to becoming a filmmaker, explaining how her experiences shaped her commitment to telling stories about people and communities often overlooked by society. After returning home from her own incarceration experience, she began using filmmaking to challenge common perceptions of incarcerated individuals and highlight the humanity of people whose stories are frequently reduced to their past mistakes.
Johnson described the isolation and trauma she witnessed while incarcerated, including mothers separated from their children and people returning home with less than they had when they entered prison. She challenged the idea that incarceration alone can prevent future harm.
“Cages don't break that cycle. But healing does break that cycle,” Johnson said.
She also addressed abolition, explaining that the concept is not simply about removing prisons but about creating systems and resources that help people thrive.
“Abolition is about presence, not absence. It's about building life-affirming institutions,” she said. Johnson encouraged communities to shift resources toward mental health, housing, schools and jobs while developing approaches to accountability that focus on restoring and transforming justice.
Her presentation led into a discussion of "Beyond," a documentary she co-directed with Michael Kleinman. The film follows incarcerated men in Sing Sing Correctional Facility as they prepare for an event and mentor one another, demonstrating how healing, personal growth and meaningful relationships can develop even within prison walls.
In closing, Johnson encouraged students to consider their role in shaping a safer and healthier future. She left the audience with questions about accountability, healing and the work of building positive alternatives: “What does accountability look like without punishment?” and “What will you build, not just fight against?”
A full screening of "Beyond" followed the forum at 7 p.m. in Yoder Recital Hall.