"SERVING TIME" is a documentary film currently being shot that tells the story of Italian Chef Bruno Abate bringing hope and dignity to inmates at Cook County Jail. Inspired and spearheaded by Italian Chef Bruno Abate, in this space a groundbreaking project, that is changing lives and will continue to blossom outside these barbed-wire topped walls, is taking place. With a heart inconceivably eclip
sing his bigger than life personality, Abate generously instills dignity and pride in these inmates as he teaches them the finer skills of culinary arts, including preparation, production and service of food and gives them a reason and a chance not to come back here. In the U.S., if recidivism could be cut by just 10%, the number of lives touched would be vast. It would also result in a savings of over a billion dollars just in prison costs. And that figure doesn’t take into account the trillions of dollars that crimes cost. SERVING TIME is an amazing canvas for portraits of inmates who are gaining skills that could guarantee good jobs and a new beginning, with new attitudes, upon their release. Filmmakers Phil Koch and Gary Sherman have been there from the beginning documenting this ambitious venture and will follow the graduates upon their release and their assimilation back into society. There will be many success stories. There may be some failures as well. The opportunity to get to know these men from the initial interviews, their incarceration, release and then starting over, is certain to be filled with drama, joy and tears. Its purpose is beyond documenting the successes and failures of the inmates and program at Cook County Jail. It will be a learning tool, a guideline and meant to raise awareness of the necessity to establish rehabilitation programs nationwide and internationally. The prestigious and award-winning Kartemquin Educational Films (Kartemquin.com), a 501 (C) 3 foundation, recognized the value of SERVING TIME and has invited the film to be a co-production. The filming of SERVING TIME is only in its initial stage and will continue for possibly another year, long enough to tell the story of the program’s success and show the changing lives of its participants.
