The public is invited to a free film event this Friday, February 22 at 6:30 p.m. in Loyola’s Bobet Hall (Room 332).

Songs of Souls is inspired by the folklore surrounding legendary Louisiana bluesman Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter, who sang his way out of prison — twice.

The documentary follows four musicians (Michael Juan Nunez, David Egan, Roddie Romero and Eric Adcock) as they play a concert for the inmates of Louisiana’s Angola Prison. Director Ronnie Clifton asked the musicians to consider what they would play if they themselves were hoping to be pardoned.

Warden Cain of Angola Prison and Rob Reardon, director of Lafayette Parish Correctional Center, are featured in the film as well and share their insight on Louisiana’s reputation as the “prison capital of the world.” They’ll also participate in a panel discussion Friday, along with Cathy Fontenot, to accompany the film presentation, and musicians Egan and Nunez will perform live as part of the event.

Friday’s screening is a presentation of Loyola University New Orleans’ Film Buffs Program, a free service for the university that offers screenings of classic and contemporary films and also serves as an intermediary between the university community and film in New Orleans. The event is free and open to the public, and is co-presented by the New Orleans Film Society.

Free parking is available for visitors in the West Road garage, accessible from St. Charles Avenue.