Colman Domingo Talks ‘Sing Sing’ and the Importance of Equitable Production: “This Is What the Strikes Aimed For”

Colman Domingo reflects on his career’s progression, describing it as a “wonderful crescendo.” The actor, who began in New York theater and had a brief stint in genre television with Fear the Walking Dead, has been a constant presence in acclaimed films such as Selma, If Beale Street Could Talk, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

Last year, Domingo received his first Oscar nomination for his portrayal of civil rights leader Bayard Rustin in Rustin. Currently, Domingo stars in Sing Sing as John “Divine G” Whitfield, a participant in New York State’s Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program, which operates out of the film’s titular prison. The program involves inmates producing and acting in stage productions.

The film explores the genuine friendship between RTA alumni Whitfield and Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin, who plays himself alongside other RTA alumni portraying their real-life selves.

Domingo admits he was unaware of the RTA before being approached by filmmakers Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar, who were passionate about creating a film focused on the men who have navigated the program.

Domingo states, “I was hooked not only by the idea of it, but their passion for it. I felt like they want to be in service to the stories that I think are very important, yet very marginalized.”

As Sing Sing expands its screenings, it will open the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival on August 2. In anticipation of this event, The Hollywood Reporter spoke with Domingo about his experiences filming in a decommissioned prison and making a financial sacrifice to ensure equity in the film.