70 x 7 the Forgiveness Equation” (2008) http://www.justiceproductions.org/
Two powerful stories that challenge our rock-hard beliefs in revenge, retribution and forgiveness.
This movie thrusts viewers into the turmoil between two sisters, Sue Norton and Maudie Hills, whose family members are murdered by an ex-con. The film goes on to relive the horrific Oklahoma City terrorist attack in which Bud Welch's young daughter was killed. His story reveals a bitter struggle and unorthodox relationship with the father of the convicted killer, Timothy McVeigh.
These are their stories and struggles. Speaking for themselves, these characters share how they coped with unforeseen bereavement, profound feelings of helplessness, rage and revenge, and for some, a move towards reconciliation and forgiveness.
70 x 7 derives its title from scripture: "Peter asked Jesus how man times shall I forgive someone who harms me? Seven times? And Jesus answered, no Peter, not seven times but seventy x seven." (Matthew 18:21-22)
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“After Innocence” www.afterinnocence.com
This documentary tells the true life, compelling stories of exonerated prisoners. It examines the trials and tribulations waiting for them upon their release from prison. It also examines the U.S. justice system and the flaws that led to the wrongful conviction of these men. 2005. This film is available through Blockbuster or Netflix.
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“At The Death House Door” (2008) http://www.ifc.com/atthedeathhousedoor/video.php
is a personal and intimate look at the death penalty in the state of Texas through the eyes of Pastor Carroll Pickett, who served 15 years as the death house chaplain to the infamous “Walls” prison unit in Huntsville and presided over 95 executions, including the world’s first lethal injection. After each execution, Pickett meticulously recorded an audiotape account of his trip to the death chamber. The film also focuses on the story of Carlos De Luna, a convict Pickett counseled and whose execution troubled him more than any other. Pickett firmly believed De Luna was innocent and the film tracks the investigative efforts of the Chicago Tribune reporters who turned up evidence that strongly supports he was wrongly executed. Study guide available online
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“The Closure Myth” http://www.closuremyth.com
This film traces one woman’s dramatic transformation from being consumed by desire to seek the death penalty as revenge for her daughter’s murderer to her realization that only in forgiveness would she find peace. 2007. 43 minutes.
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“Dead Man Walking” This acclaimed film traces the relationship between a death row inmate and the nun to whom he turns for spiritual guidance in the days leading up to his scheduled execution. 1995. 122 min. This film is available through Blockbuster or Netflix. A study guide is also available.
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“Deadline” http://www.deadlinethemovie.com
This documentary explores two of the most significant, yet unexamined, events in the history of American capital punishment - the abolition of the death penalty in 1972 and the momentous debate in Illinois in 2002 over clemency for all of the state’s death row inmates. The film reveals the inner workings of these events and leads to profound questions about America’s approach to crime and punishment. 2004. 90 min. This film is available through Blockbuster or Netflix. A study guide is also available online.
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“The Empty Chair” http://www.justiceproductions.org/aboutthefilms.html
Four stories of murder victim’s families reliving the crimes and confronting the loss of loved ones. Reactions range from revenge and desire for punishment to searching for forgiveness and healing. With commentary by Sister Helen Prejean. 2003. 52 min. www.justiceproductions.org
A study guide is also available.
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“The Green Mile” Set on Death Row in a Southern prison in 1935, this is the story of the cellblock’s head guard, who develops a poignant, unusual relationship with one inmate who possesses a magical gift that is both mysterious and miraculous. 1999. 188 min. This film is available through Blockbuster or Netflix.
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“The Exonerated” Susan Sarandon and Danny Glover star in this film based upon the stage play of the same name. Actual court depositions, transcripts, letters, and interviews comprise the chilling and moving script that chronicles the stories of six wrongly convicted death row inmates. 2005. 90 minutes. This film is available through Blockbuster or Netflix.
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"Juan Meléndez - 6446" http://www.catholicsmobilizing.org/category/get-informed/downloads/
tells the incredible, true story of Juan Meléndez, who was sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit. A Puerto Rican migrant farmer raised in New York City, Meléndez was accused of murder in the state of Florida. While claiming his innocence, Juan Meléndez was convicted and put on death row for 17 years, 8 months and 1 day. Told by Meléndez, his mother, lawyers and friends, this personal drama illustrates the legal, political and public policy issues surrounding the application of the death penalty in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
This movie is available in Spanish with English subtitles and in English with Spanish subtitles through California People of Faith Against the Death Penalty http://www.californiapeopleoffaith.org/
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“Interview with an Executioner” This documentary goes behind the scenes in a Mississippi Penitentiary during the 14 days leading up to the execution of Edward Earl Johnson. Don Cabana, the executioner, recounts the chilling experience of the execution of Johnson, who maintained his innocence until the end with his final words - “I want you to know exactly what you are doing when you execute me. I want you to remember every last detail, ‘cause I am innocent.” Copies of the video may be obtained from www.californiapeopleoffaith.org
“Love Lived on Death Row” (2008) http://www.lovelivedondeathrow.com
tells the story of the four Syriani siblings whose father was sentenced to die for the murder of their mother in 1990 and Meg Eggleston, who became their father's friend and spiritual advisor through letters to him in prison. Orphaned and estranged, the Syriani children lived with hate, anger and confusion as the man they could only refer to as 'Him Him' lived on North Carolina's death row. But in 2004 they collectively decided to visit him in prison, seeking answers so they could move on with their adult lives. What transpired that day was a miracle of forgiveness followed by a journey of healing, restoring family memories and then a battle for his clemency. Love Lived on Death Row's portrait of a family torn apart by tragedy and reunited by another impending tragedy is a powerful examination of not only the healing process, but also of the role capital punishment plays in serving justice. Study guide available online
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A Question of Justice (2006) http://www.qofj.com/
Four men go on an unlikely journey, yet not an ordinary one. David, Gary, Bud and Bill set out across the landscape, looking back at the horrific acts of violence they once faced. David Kaczynski turned in his brother, the Unabomber, to authorities. Gary Wright the 11th victim of the Unabomber survives to face his perpetrator. Bill Babbitt sacrificed his younger brother’s life for the greater good. Bud Welch claimed his daughter’s body from the rubble of the Oklahoma City bombing. Follow these four men as they travel from New York to Texas, from Oklahoma to California on a road that takes them beyond crime and punishment and into their hearts and minds on An American Journey.
Despite their differences, they discover a shared sense of purpose and a brotherhood in the most unlikely place.
“Race to Execution” By Rachel Lyon, this film follows the stories of two death row inmates and exposes how race infects America’s death penalty system. Much more information at www.pbs.org/independentlens/racetoexecution. 2006.
A study guide is also available.
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“The Religious Community Speaks Against the Death Penalty” Produced by the American Friends Service Committee’s Religious Organizing Against the Death Penalty Project, this video includes Dennis Brutus, South African poet and activist; Rev. Bernice King, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s daughter and author of Hard Questions, Heart Answers; Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ, author of Dead Man Walking; Millard Fuller, Founder and President, Habitat for Humanity International; Rev. Kobutsu Malone, Zen Buddhist Priest; Marshall Dayan, Jewish activist against the death penalty; and Marietta Jeagar-Lane, with Murder Victims’ Families for Reconciliation. 2002. 31 min.
“Step by Step: A Journey of Hope” (2006) http://www.journeyofhope.org/pages/micki_dickoff.htm
Step by Step takes viewers on an emotional journey of hope with murder victims’ family members on their 17 day march through the state of Texas trying to change hearts and minds with messages of forgiveness, reconciliation and alternatives to the death penalty. Their viewpoint, formed out of personal grief and loss, is difficult to dismiss even by the most ardent advocates of execution.
Members of the Journey tell their heart wrenching stories at each stop along the way, in the streets and at rallies, in churches and schools, at vigils and protests outside the death chamber, and in debates with death penalty supporters. The voices of Journey participants compel listeners to reexamine their views about the death penalty at a gut level, faced by people who have suffered the unimaginable and yet believe that killing and vengeance are never the answer.
The Thin Blue Line” Through the use of reenactments of the crime, photo montages, film clips, and interviews, this is a reconstruction and investigation of the 1976 murder of a Dallas policeman and the subsequent arrest and sentencing to death of a man who claims to be innocent. 1988. 101 min. This film is available through Blockbuster or Netflix.
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“Too Flawed to Fix: The Illinois Death Penalty Experience” A powerful documentary that explores and exposes the irreparable
flaws in the criminal justice system by examining the 13 individuals who were wrongfully convicted and released from Illinois’ death row. 2002. 1 hr. and 15 min. versions available. To order the video, email: tooflawedtofix@hotmail.com. A study guide is also available.
“The Trials of Daryl Hunt” This documentary offers a deeply personal story of a wrongfully convicted man who spent twenty years in prison in North Carolina for a crime he did not commit. 2006. 106 minutes. http://www.breakthrufilms.org/ This film will is available through Blockbuster or Netflix.
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