Laura Flanders and Friends: Positive Independent Journalism for a Just World

These Films Keep People Out of Prison

Episode Summary

What if judges could know a person more completely before sentencing them to prison? An organization called Complete Picture uses the power of film and storytelling to give judges an in-depth, humanizing look at the lives of defendants facing prison for non-violent crimes. All of Complete Picture’s films have resulted in a sentence reduction and half of their clients received no prison time at all. In this episode, Laura speaks with the project’s founding filmmakers, whose own experience of incarceration inspired the project. She interviews a defense attorney who’s seen the impact on judges and talks with two defendants about how these video portraits changed their lives—and not just in the courtroom. Could films like theirs help transform the justice system across the country? Find out how in this episode. Music in the Middle: “Fight The Power” by Brownout, from their album “Fear of a Brown Planet”, it’s a musical manifesto inspired by Public Enemy’s music and revolutionary spirit. While mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Become a Patreon partner by committing to a monthly donation today, https://Patreon.com/theLFShow ...Thanks

Episode Notes

For full episode notes including related episodes from our archives, a research and reading list and more  goto:  https://Patreon.com/theLFShow

What if judges could know a person more completely before sentencing them to prison? An organization called Complete Picture uses the power of film and storytelling to give judges an in-depth, humanizing look at the lives of defendants facing prison for non-violent crimes. All of Complete Picture’s films have resulted in a sentence reduction and half of their clients received no prison time at all. In this episode, Laura speaks with the project’s founding filmmakers, whose own experience of incarceration inspired the project. She interviews a defense attorney who’s seen the impact on judges and talks with two defendants about how these video portraits changed their lives—and not just in the courtroom. Could films like theirs help transform the justice system across the country? Find out how in this episode.  Music in the Middle:  “Fight The Power” by Brownout, from their album “Fear of a Brown Planet”, it’s a musical manifesto inspired by Public Enemy’s music and revolutionary spirit.

 

While mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Become a Patreon partner by committing to a monthly donation today, https://Patreon.com/theLFShow ...Thanks