Growing Up Behind Bars

My name is Shadeed “Sha” Wallace-Stepter and I am a producer for the documentary film Growing Up Behind Bars. 

This film goes inside of San Quentin State Prison and follows four men who committed the crime of murder as teenagers and received life sentences in adult prison. We watch as they navigate the prison system and prepare to appear before the parole board.

This is an issue that is very important to me on a personal level because I too was sentenced to life in prison for a violent crime that I committed as a teenager.

In fact, production on Growing Up Behind Bars started more than two years ago, while I was still incarcerated at San Quentin serving a life sentence.




Being incarcerated at that time provided our team with an unparalleled understanding of the prison and the individuals who are forced to live there.



In telling this story we explore prison culture and what it means for youth to spend their most formative years in this environment.

We are currently in the final stages of production and are looking to raise funds to purchase the equipment  needed to complete this project.

We would use these donations to purchase a Sony Alpha A7iii camera, lenses, tripod, sound and lighting gear.

We are so grateful for your support.

Thank you.