A documentary directed by a UC Merced professor that enters the bleak world of a fading, elderly man in a Virginia state prison has received several recent awards and is scheduled for numerous screenings in 2026, including a symposium this month at the university.
“Where’s My Coffee Cup?” was created by media and performance studies Professor Yehuda Sharim. John, the central character, has been behind bars for more than 30 years. Sharim said the documentary aims to illustrate the challenges and indignities of being incarcerated at an advanced age.
The documentary and a discussion after the screening will be part of an April 20 symposium, “Incarceration, the Humanities and Humanity,” at UC Merced. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in several rooms in COB2. Author and prison abolition advocate Rachel Kushner will be the keynote speaker.
In 2026, “Where’s My Coffee Cup?” was a finalist for a best documentary award at the International Black & Diversity Film Festival in Ontario, Canada, and at the Las Vegas Black Film Festival. It was a nominee for best short documentary at the Massachusetts Independent Film Festival.
The documentary is also being screened this year at festivals in locations ranging from Riverside and Pittsburgh to Madrid.
“Where’s My Coffee Cup?” was released in 2025 and screened several times that year domestically and at international festivals in South America, Europe and Asia.
Supporters of the documentary include the Henry Luce Foundation and the UC Merced Center for the Humanities.
