By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4 cats
Director: Jessica Sanders
Country: united_states
Year: 2006
Running time: 95
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0436039/combined
Michael says: “Jessica Sanders’ AFTER INNOCENCE is an emotional and inspirational documentary about men who were wrongfully convicted of horrific crimes, then exonerated 15 – 20 years later due to the emergence of DNA testing. The horror of
being innocent and convicted of crimes such as rape and murder is eloquently conveyed by these men as they are finally released from their incarceration only to face criminal records that prevent them from getting good jobs, suspicion from people in their hometowns, and little money to help them get back on their feet. Life has moved on and passed them by, yet they receive no compensation from the government, in fact, some receive anger and resentment from the system that incorrectly imprisoned them for crimes they did not commit. In addition to Sanders and the film’s producer, several of the people featured in the film, including two of the exonerated, were in attendance, partaking in a powerful Q&A session after the film. 4 cats”
This film was screened at the 2005 Independent Film Festival of Boston.
Carolyn says: “This is absolutely a one-sided film, but in my opinion that’s what makes a documentary personal. If the filmmaker gives a counter example for everything s/he presents, the result is going to be more like analytical essay than a personal testimony. I’d rather hear a subjective account any day. (Is it possible to be objective?) That said, I enjoyed the film and as always, learning about something that I wasn’t previously aware of; in this case the criminal ‘justice’ system of the
U. S. and exonerated prisoners. It was exciting to see some of the hard fought victories: repealing the death sentence or creating a compensation plan for exonorees, but also sobering to know how much could still be done. And how few people (I was one of 4 in the audience) are aware of this and other problems. 4 cats”
Barbara says: “AFTER INNOCENCE was very well done. It’s focus is DNA testing which is available today and is serving
to exonerate several long time prisoners. The upheaval of lives is quite emotional and it strongly makes you rethink the death penalty issue. 4 cats”