justice system

SINCE I BEEN DOWN: A Vital Documentary Calling For Action And Hope
SINCE I BEEN DOWN: A Vital Documentary Calling For Action And Hope

Since I Been Down proves that sometimes real change can come from within and the resources we are given to work with.

CONVICTION: A Timely and Relevant Film Outlining Why We Need Prison Reform
CONVICTION: A Timely and Relevant Film Outlining Why We Need Prison Reform

Conviction is an intriguing and compelling real life crime story reflecting on the corruption currently being exposed in the American justice system.

Tribeca 2020: THE STATE OF TEXAS VS. MELISSA
Tribeca 2020: THE STATE OF TEXAS VS. MELISSA

The State of Texas vs. Melissa unfolds slowly, meticulously and with intent as you witness a cinematic investigation unfold.

JUST MERCY: A Disappointing Real-Life Tale
JUST MERCY: A Disappointing Real-Life Tale

Just Mercy is a disappointing adaptation of an important real-life story, but it’s filled with great performances. Maria Lattila reviews.

NYFF 2019: MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN, WASP NETWORK, and AMERICAN TRIAL: THE ERIC GARNER STORY
NYFF 2019: MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN, WASP NETWORK, & AMERICAN TRIAL: THE ERIC GARNER STORY

In our latest report from the New York Film Festival, we cover Motherless Brooklyn, Wasp Network and American Trial: The Eric Garner Story.

BRIAN BANKS: A Fumbled Take On An Incredible Story
BRIAN BANKS: A Fumbled Take On An Incredible Story

Brian Banks tries so hard to be deep and meaningful that it ends up falling flat and feeling corny.

WHEN THEY SEE US: A Haunting, Vital Miniseries
WHEN THEY SEE US: A Haunting, Vital Miniseries

When They See Us may be Ava DuVernay’s finest work, telling a deeply human story about the way people of color have been and continue to be seen.

THE DEATH AND LIFE OF MARSHA P. JOHNSON: A Unique, Historical Perspective on Transgender Rights
THE DEATH AND LIFE OF MARSHA P. JOHNSON: A Unique, Historical Perspective On Transgender Rights

The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson is a rewarding experience and a tragic story filled with heartbreaking real-life characters, but their own humor and joy helps to balance out the very grim tidings.

BOMB CITY: Rage Against Violence
BOMB CITY: Rage Against Violence

Bomb City makes an impassioned statement in a sometimes messy way, but the energy it gives off is far more effective than any staid, overly safe version of this story could ever be.

THE RAPE OF RECY TAYLOR: One Story on the Systemic Silencing of Black Women
THE RAPE OF RECY TAYLOR: A Story On The Systemic Silencing Of Black Women

The Rape of Recy Taylor is essential and compelling, bringing female heroes of the American Civil Rights movement to the forefront.

STRONG ISLAND: A Haunting Look at Loss, Race, and the Justice System
STRONG ISLAND: A Haunting Look At Loss, Race & The Justice System

How might a predominately white community wield its power to dismiss a black life? The documentary Strong Island offers unsettling answers.

THE WORK: The Prison Therapy Experience Is Essential
THE WORK: The Prison Therapy Experience Is Essential

The Work is an essential piece of filmmaking that’s powerful in its observation and packs a strong emotional punch.

Interview With THE FORCE Director Peter Nicks
“How Could A Department Fail So Horribly But Also Be Making Progress At The Same Time?” Interview With THE FORCE Director Peter Nicks

Arlin Golden spoke with THE FORCE director Peter Nicks about Oakland Police Department, and everything that’s wrong and right with American police.

THE FORCE: Taking Down The Blue Wall Of Silence
THE FORCE: Taking Down The Blue Wall Of Silence

The Force is an important film that hopefully one day we’ll be able to look back upon as history far removed from the current moment.

IMPERIAL DREAMS: A Simple Film With Powerful Resonance
IMPERIAL DREAMS: A Simple Film With Powerful Resonance

Imperial Dreams is a statement and truly is a cautionary tale, though not without hope – and, more importantly, stark realism.