Rise and Reform

Recently, I got the opportunity to watch When a Witness Recants at The Hot Docs Film Festival.

In short, this film is about three high school students who were falsely accused of a murder at their high school and sentenced to life in prison. The convictions rested on two witness testimonies, coerced by a cop assigned to the case. The three innocent men, Alfred Chestnut, Andrew Stewart and Ransom Watkins (also known as The Harlem Park Three) ended up serving almost four decades behind bars before they were released just before Thanksgiving of 2019. 

There was not a single dry eye in the room when the movie was over. The idea of three innocent men having to go through an experience like that was truly heartbreaking. Director Dawn Porter takes us on an emotional rollercoaster, showcasing the hardships of the three men falsely accused. The three of them reconnecting with their families after being released was truly something so beautiful, touching and sad all at the same time. The three of them had so much time stolen from them, and unfortunately nothing will ever make up for it. 

This is yet another example of systematic failure. “This isn’t only about justice; it’s about sincere apologies” wrote one reviewer on Letterbox (credit: William Anthony, Letterbox). The film highlights what is missing from our justice system; actual accountability. Prison doesn’t hold people accountable for wrongdoings, it punishes people for wrongdoings (or in this case, other people’s wrongdoings). As discussed in my previous post about Soli Faqiri, prison guards often don’t get held accountable for the abuse they perpetrate, either. 

In short, this film is a perfect example of why prison should not be an option. Not only does it not actually hold people accountable, but replacing it with mental health treatment facilities can prevent people who have been wrongfully accused of crimes from being punished for something they did not do. 

Have you seen this film? If so, comment below and let me know what you thought of it!