The Second Life of Freddie Nole

Freddie Nole went to prison at 17 and walked out 50 years later. Now he goes back to the prison gates to pick up strangers getting released.

Big thanks to my buddy Dana Nachman (the director) and producer Chelsea Matter of Sweet World Films for putting this one on our radar (and hooking us up with a screening link!).

Trailer for “The Second Life of Freddie Nole”

You Can’t Make This Sh!t Up

After finally getting his own freedom, Freddie started returning to prison gates to meet men he’d never met and help them through their first hours outside. He’s now done this more than 60 times.
Men inside hear about Freddie and write to him asking for help when they get out.
Freddie remembers leaving prison without even having normal street clothes. He was still wearing prison clothes. Now one of the first things he does for other men is help them get basics like pants and shirts.

Watch “The Second Life of Freddie Nole”

“The Second Life of Freddie Nole” is currently screening on the festival circuit rather than having a wide streaming release.

The short has played festivals including Tribeca, Cleveland International Film Festival, DC/DOX, Raindance and more.

Ratings:

My Rating: 92/100

Release Date: 2026

Director’s Note: Dana Nachman directed the film. She’s a former journalist whose other docs include “Batkid Begins,” “Pick of the Litter,” “Dear Santa,” and “Witch Hunt.” Chelsea Matter produced, Don Hardy shot it, Kurt Kuenne edited it, and Dave Tweedie composed the score.

Other Unique Stuff

Freddie says that when he first went to prison, guards didn’t even call him by his name. He was identified by his prison number.
The filmmaking team is also trying to take the movie beyond festivals. Nachman has discussed working with reentry organizations and screening the film inside prisons.
Nachman couldn’t even ride in the car for some of the filming. The vehicle was rigged with multiple cameras, allowing the conversations to unfold without the director sitting next to Freddie and his passengers.

Wrap Up:

My favorite thing about “The Second Life of Freddie Nole” is how simple Freddie’s idea is: when someone walks out of prison with nothing, be the person waiting for them. After losing 50 years of his own freedom, he spends his second life helping other people keep theirs.

Thanks for reading!

Heather Fenty, Guest Writer, Daily Doc