I first came to the juvenile detention center for a documentary film I was working on, but eventually I was so struck by the expressions and emotions on the faces of kids serving their time, and I wanted to capture that raw power in them more vividly. Male and female residents of educational-correctional homes are aged from 14 to 23 years old. Their time in the home varies from six months up to five years, because the time is not predetermined when the verdict is passed – they are on a constant psychological evaluation. The state grants them release only when it is certain that their moral values have taken the right turn, and they are prepared to be integrated back into society. Inside, they are divided among themselves in different groups, but there is also a number of those who try to keep to themselves, to serve their time, and get out. One of the minors there was sentenced to time in Kruška for drunken driving, which led to an accident, and his brother’s death. Never before was he involved in anything on the other side of the law. I liked going there, spending time with them, and at most times I felt uncomfortable telling them. Because I knew they wished they were anywhere but inside those walls.
