The Truth Behind the Mask
By JeiJei Webster
From paperwork to grocery aisles, reentry is full of hidden barriers—this film asks us to meet returning citizens with empathy
The Truth Behind a Mask unpacks the significant challenges people experience when reentering society after prison. Every day tasks that are often taken for granted become obstacles, ranging from securing employment and stable housing to navigating paperwork, shopping at the grocery store, or using household technology.
The film challenges audiences to remove judgment, embrace empathy, and genuinely show up for people in reentry. It underscores the need for reentry planning to begin at least 90 days before release, alongside investments in peer-led mentorship programs, digital literacy training, ID restoration, and access to technology.
About the Issue
Reentry is the transition from incarceration back into the community. It is one of the most critical and vulnerable stages in the justice process. Many individuals in Illinois face significant, often overlooked challenges when returning home, including securing identification, navigating housing applications, relearning technology, and rebuilding family relationships.
These barriers can quickly lead to recidivism if not addressed. In Illinois, over 23,000 are released from prison every year.* Unfortunately, 40% of people released from Illinois prisons recently returned to prison within three years. In recent years, for every person whose reentry journey ended with recidivism and reincarceration, the state paid $150,000 to reimprison the person.**
This problem calls for increased investment in comprehensive, peer-led reentry programs that provide housing, employment support, digital literacy, and emotional support to formerly incarcerated individuals.