The documentary

In 2009 after she was sentenced to more than two years in prison for prostitution, Marcia Powell was locked in a metal cage in the desert sun at an Arizona prison. Four hours later she collapsed in the 107-degree heat, and by day’s end she was dead after being removed from life support by the Department of Corrections. Even though an internal investigation revealed that guards had denied her water and ridiculed her when she pleaded for help, no one was ever charged. The documentary NO HUMAN INVOLVED investigates the circumstances of Marcia’s death, exposing the system that has lead to the death of scores of others in facilities across Arizona, and documents a movement that has formed seeking justice in her name. Marcia’s story motivates audiences to question the system that justified her incarceration, as viewers empathize with her humanity realizing that what happened to her, can happen to anyone.

Filmmaker and advocate PJ Starr has been working on NO HUMAN INVOLVED since 2010. The film is now being edited and she seeks finishing funds to make the film shine as it should. Because Marcia deserves only the best, and by telling her story in the best way possible the situation of many others will be described and we can work towards real change.

What We Need & What You Get

Every cent raised via this campaign will be poured back into the film's production. There isn't any cushioning here so we need to raise the full amount. $5,000 will be used for color correction and include mastering of the DVD. $4000 will be used for the sound mix, $3000 for the film's musical score. $1500 is needed to purchase archival footage. The remainder will be used to create the film's poster and postcards, application fees to get the film in to film festivals, the website, and for the duplicating of DVDs.

This documentary project is grounded in organizing for social change for prisoners’ rights and the rights of people in the sex trade. As a result members of the community are assisting the film by donating beautiful art works, books and other things such as rare t-shirts from the heart of our community spirit. Donate using a credit card, if you wish to use Paypal or any other method send us a message here or on Facebook and we will work it out.

The Impact: Marcia's spirit will create real change

NO HUMAN INVOLVED is not just any documentary, it is the first film of its kind to ever be made in the US. It is the first feature film made by a leading advocate for the rights of people in the sex trade that exposes the impact of the prison system on these communities. PJ brings all of her experience in local, national and international organizing for human rights to this project to ensure that the film will go far and wide and make a difference. Amazing Phoenix activists are committed to working with PJ, folks like Peggy Plews, Monica Jones and many more. The audience engagement strategies PJ and her team have developed will connect with much broader communities of people—people with some awareness of women’s issues but not yet aware of the devastating impact of incarceration—in order to build a groundswell of commitment to real action and change.  And, every day, we all feel Marcia's spirit rising up, we know that with her on our team that change will come.

Other Ways You Can Help

Not everyone can make a donation but your support in whatever way you wish will help. Raise awareness on social media, connect with us to be ready for the DVD launch, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, have a party to contribute, donate your skills, your art, your science and your spirit.