Sweethearts of the Prison Rodeo

The documentary takes viewers behind prison walls, following convict cowgirls as they prepare for the 2007 Oklahoma State Penitentiary Rodeo. For the first time in 2006, female inmates were allowed to compete in this long-standing event, which has been held annually since 1940. The film captures the challenges faced by these women, including issues like broken homes and alienation from their children, as they seek a moment of glory in the arena.

The Oklahoma State Penitentiary Rodeo is a unique spectacle, combining elements of a Wild West show and a traditional rodeo. It serves as a rare glimpse into a part of the American penal system, where prisoners risk their safety for a chance to perform and gain recognition. The event not only offers entertainment for the public and guards but also provides the inmates with a brief escape from their daily lives in prison. This documentary showcases the resilience and determination of women who find strength and camaraderie in an unexpected setting.