The Sentence 2018
"She went to prison. They did the time."
When a mother of three is handed a crushing 15-year federal prison sentence for a crime tied to her past, her family's world collapses under the weight of mandatory minimum drug laws.
Director: Rudy Valdez
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Sentence (2018) about?
*The Sentence* follows Cindy Shank, a mother of three whose life is upended when she receives a 15-year prison sentence for her past involvement in a minor drug-related incident. Over a decade, her brother Rudy Valdez documents her fight for survival behind bars and the emotional toll on her children and family as they grapple with a justice system that offers no mercy.
Who directed The Sentence?
The Sentence was directed by Rudy Valdez, Cindy Shank's brother, who turned his family's personal crisis into a powerful documentary examining the impact of mandatory minimum sentencing.
Who stars in The Sentence?
The documentary stars Cindy Shank as the central figure, alongside her children Emily, Sydney, and Jake Shank, with Eric Sterling appearing as a key figure in the story.
Is The Sentence (2018) worth watching?
With its gripping blend of personal drama and social critique, *The Sentence* is a standout documentary that resonates deeply thanks to its authenticity and emotional rawness. While IMDb didn't assign a rating at the time of release, its themes and storytelling make it a compelling watch for fans of real-life narratives and justice-focused films.
How long is The Sentence?
The Sentence has a runtime of 87 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Sentence (2018) — A Family's Fight Against Unjust Drug Sentencing Laws
When a mother of three is handed a crushing 15-year federal prison sentence for a crime tied to her past, her family's world collapses under the weight of mandatory minimum drug laws. *The Sentence (2018)*, directed by her own brother Rudy Valdez, transforms this personal tragedy into a raw, intimate documentary that spans a decade of heartbreak and resilience. Through candid home videos, heartfelt interviews, and unflinching family footage, the film exposes the human toll of inflexible justice systems and the emotional earthquake that follows a verdict meant to punish but ultimately devastates.
The Sentence (2018) isn't just a story of incarceration—it's a chronicle of love, loss, and the fight to hold a family together amid unimaginable odds. Stark and deeply moving, Valdez's camera becomes a witness to Cindy Shank's struggle inside prison and her loved ones' battle on the outside, where every holiday, birthday, and small triumph becomes a bittersweet reminder of what's been lost.