The Voice of the Comforter: a Film by Rafael Ragland
By Pam Gates
On Jan. 12, the Madison Justice Team screened The Voice of the Comforter at the UW South Madison Partnership space. The film’s director and producer, Rafael Ragland, was there, as well as several of the people who acted in the film. Rafael was as teary-eyed as much of his audience when the film concluded; he explained that he’d lived through most of what this moving film portrayed.
The Voice of the Comforter illustrates the incredible challenges people who have been incarcerated face upon release – challenges in housing, in employment, in relationships, in family, in the parole system. And, just when a little progress seems to have been made, everything may come crashing down again.
But the film also offers hope for dealing with all of those challenges. The lead character, the returning citizen, struggles to believe in himself but almost gives up several times. Ultimately, he does manage to pull through to a position of strength – in part because of his own determination, but also because another person – in fact, several other people – believe in him.
The film juxtaposes biblical scenes and characters with current situations, adding yet another interesting touch to this interesting film. It may be too religious for some tastes, but the character’s powerful trust and belief in a higher power are part of what ultimately pulls him through to the other end of his reentry’s roller coaster ride.
The Madison Justice Team says that Rafael and his team at So Grateful Films have made this film available through their personal streaming network, http://www.virtualvision.site. Click on this link, go to On Demand, and click on the movie title. After you see the film, the team hopes you will be moved to support the creation of these uplifting, heartfelt films. The goal of So Grateful Films is to make two movies a year, and to engage both youth and adults by providing employment and skill development in the film and arts industries.
If the team achieves its crowdfunding target for 2026, it will make the fifth consecutive year of making a positive difference in people’s lives. Donations will be gratefully accepted through the website sogratefulfilms.com, or by check to Rafael Ragland at so grateful films, 1237 Saint Albert the Great Drive, Sun Prairie, WI 53590.