Documentary chronicling the historic grassroots movement to close and demolish St. Louis’s notorious Workhouse screens at Hi-Pointe Theatre, followed by a live panel Q&A.
(ST. LOUIS, MO)–On Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 2:30 PM, Cinema St. Louis’ annual St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase will host a special screening of Hell on Hall Street at the historic Hi-Pointe Theatre. Directed and produced in-kind by HLK Advertising Agency, the film chronicles the powerful, grassroots movement behind the Close the Workhouse campaign—a coalition of people formerly incarcerated at the Workhouse, community members, and local organizations ArchCity Defenders, Action St. Louis, and The Bail Project, who fought to dismantle St. Louis’ notorious Medium Security Institution.
Narrated by musician and activist Tef Poe, the feature-length documentary chronicles the infamous jail’s history, its devastating impact on poor and Black families in St. Louis, and the campaign that catalyzed the jail’s closure in 2022 and demolition in 2025.
The film features first-hand experiences from Jocelyn Garner, an organizer with the Close the Workhouse campaign, and Inez Bordeaux, a leader with the campaign and on staff with ArchCity Defenders. It also includes commentary by Blake Strode (ArchCity Defenders), Kayla Reed (Action St. Louis), and Mike Milton (Freedom Community Center). Blending personal experience, archival footage, and strategic analysis, the film details a jail closure campaign rooted in abolition.
Following the screening, key figures featured in the film will participate in a live panel Q&A.
Hell on Hall Street premiered in March 2026 at the St. Louis Public Library, marking the one-year anniversary of when the city began demolition of the Workhouse. Following the premiere, the film won two Silver Telly Awards in the Film & Shorts category.
For more on the film, including the trailer, and the Close the Workhouse campaign, visit: www.hellonhallstreet.org
Event Details
- WHAT: St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase Screening: Hell on Hall Street + Live Q&A
- WHEN: Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 2:30 PM CST
- WHERE: Hi-Pointe Theatre, 1001 McCausland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63117
- WHO: Presented by Cinema St. Louis as part of the 2026 St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase
- ADMISSION: Media passes available; Free and open to the public – to register, visit: https://festivals.cinemastlouis.org/showcase2026/movies/hell-on-hall-street/
Media & Interview Opportunities
Media RSVP: Press members planning to cover the event or request interview slots are encouraged to RSVP to zgorley@archcitydefenders.org (314) 898-8198 by Friday, July 24.
Photo & B-Roll: Production stills, movement footage, and event photo coverage during the Q&A.
Interviews: Filmmakers and representatives from advocacy organizations will be available for pre- and post-screening interviews.
Media Contact:
Z Gorley, Director of Communications, ArchCity Defenders
(314) 898-8185 | zgorley@archcitydefenders.org