Guarding Confederate POWS in a Civil War prison, a runaway slave now Union soldier, desperately fights for power, or faces returning to slavery.

Review by Victoria Angelique:

The short film ROCK ISLAND PRISON 1864 tells the fictionalized story of the 108th regiment of the United States Colored Infantry of the Union Army. It’s a moment in time many people don’t know about and this film educates in a way that uses modern themes so that the audience can relate to Shiloh as he confronts his former master Mr. Clement within the prison. 

The themes are complex, with the biggest one showing that the hardest thing that one can do is advocate for oneself. This is what Shiloh struggles with as it introduces topics such as PTSD, the struggle to face his own fears and the most important, being strong enough to face his demons. Mr. Clement makes it clear that no matter what happens, he will own Shiloh again as he does everything he can to get into his former slave’s head. He makes Shiloh coil as he berates him, reminding him of the horrors he has inflicted on Shiloh’s family. It is with the support of Shiloh’s fellow soldiers and his resolve to finally stand up for himself that puts Mr. Clement into his rightful place. After all, Mr. Clement is the one that got caught and is in Rock Island Prison being guarded by Shiloh.

The cinematography and editing in this film is brilliant. Writer and director, Joy Shannon, utilizes many different techniques to tell this story. The beginning looks like a documentary, with stock footage to appear historical before transitioning into the narrative story. The past is shot in black and white, with the present in color. Distinguishing the moments in Shiloh’s life clearly. Text is used to give subtext, intermingling a technique from the silent era of film to quickly move the story. 

ROCK ISLAND PRISON 1864 is a film that gives a quick introduction to moments in history that are rarely taught. It is presented in a way that makes one want to learn more about the events at Rock Island Prison during the American Civil War. The story is interesting and emotional, which poses the question how many other former slaves had similar stories to Shiloh and were they all just as brave. 

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