“Second Chance Rescue” by Wray Sinclair
Rebelling against the strict nature of his family and seeking community in a local gang, Jensen Ramos found himself sentenced to three life sentences for attempted murder at the young age of eighteen.
Twelve years into incarceration, Jensen was introduced to a local non profit, Paws for Life K9. In scenic portraits bearing emotional resonance, we follow Jensen working with rescue dogs who had been discarded, neglected and overlooked.
Coupled with marrying the love of his life Jennifer while imprisoned, along with his daily commitment to bettering himself, we watch his growth be recognized by California Governor Gavin Newsom who communicated his sentence in 2020 and gave Jensen a second chance at redemption.
In this intimate character story, Jensen, in his third act, now a dedicated father and husband, elevates his intentions and experiences by opening a small business, training dogs and committing himself to the betterment of not only himself but his wider community. Jensen’s story is just the beginning, since the program began, over 20 other inmates sentences have been recognized and communicated, allowing them to continue this work in their communities and outside of the incarceration system where they were first introduced to it.
FROM THE DIRECTOR
“I'm telling this story because I was moved by the work that Paws For Life K9 rescue was doing. When I originally got involved with them I had no idea about their prison program, and only after volunteering for several years I finally met some of the trainers who had been released from prison and was inspired by not only their work ethic and drive, but their commitment to make the world a better place from the skills they learned in prison through the PFL program.
It was my first time interacting with individuals who had been serving life sentences for things that many of them did when they were kids. That was when I saw the importance of giving people a second chance, and that someone shouldn't be defined by what they did 15-30 years ago, if they've put in the work to become a better person and improve their communities. I also passionately believe in the work that animal rescues do, and am a big lover of dogs and believe in their ability to bring about positive change in the lives of their humans too.”
-Wray Sinclair
CREDITS
Directed & Produced by Wray Sinclair
Featuring// Jensen Ramos
DP// Kyle Smolic
AC// Denis Zemtsov
Gaffer// Adam Hutsell
Location Sound// Justin Gay
PA// Elliot Smith-Hastie
Editor// Joe Carugati
Colorist// Bree Brackett / Carbon
Color Assist// Zoe Rain Lambert
Color Producer// Natalie Westerfield
Original Score// Jordain Wallace
Still Photography// Rita Earl Blackwell
Sound Design & Mix// Collin Thomas / Lime Studios
Design & Titles// Evan Richards
Studio Location// Fourteen Studios
Consulting// Lauren Avinoam
Cameras// 2020 Camera
Supported By Paws For Life K9 Rescue
Talent// Marcus, Todd, Albert, Christine - PFL
CDCR// Alia & Daniel
Extra Thanks// Alex Tonner, Jon Grobman, Rita Earl Blackwell
Send Us Your Film
Hey filmmakers! Have a project of your own you’d like us to check out?