Susanville, California, tries to resuscitate its economy by building a prison - with unforeseen consequences.

In the 1990s, at the height of the prison-building boom, a prison opened in rural America every 15 days. "Prison Town, USA" tells the story of Susanville, one California town that tries to resuscitate its economy by building a prison - with unforeseen consequences. Weaving the stories of a laid-off mill worker turned guard, a struggling dairy owner and an inmate's family stranded in Susanville, the film illuminates the legacy of an industry that is transforming rural America. Directors/producers/writers: Katie Galloway and Po Kutchins. Co-production with Independent Television Service (ITVS) and KQED/Truly California.