"An intriguing and well-executed attempt to supply something Americans were denied,"
"Roee Messinger’s film goes deep into the case, placing the audience in the position of the jury."
"...an urgent and compelling film
so formally innovative that it feels as if you’re witnessing
the birth of a new genre."
so formally innovative that it feels as if you’re witnessing
the birth of a new genre."
"Ultimately 'American Trial: The Eric Garner Story' is a kick in the ass and a wake up call
concerning the criminal justice system.
It is a must see film."
concerning the criminal justice system.
It is a must see film."
Add American Trial:
The Eric Garner Story To Your Library Collection Below! |
American Trial:
The Eric Garner Story Directed by Roee Messinger
Run time: 101 min Public Performance Rights Licensing:
Starting at $399 Organizations & institutions please contact info@passionriver.com today for a quote Genres: Documentary, Civil Rights, American Studies, African-American Studies, Law & Government, Politics
Synopsis:
This hybrid fiction-documentary engaged the services of two actual legal teams to create a rigorous, legally based fictional—yet unscripted—trial that never happened for one of the nation’s most disturbing tragedies. |
Long Synopsis:
The idea is powerfully simple: engage the services of two actual legal teams to create a rigorous, legally based fictional—yet unscripted—trial that never happened for one of the nation’s most disturbing recent tragedies. The accused is Officer Daniel Pantaleo (only recently fired by New York City Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill), charged in the July 17, 2014 death of Eric Garner with reckless manslaughter and strangulation in the first degree. The judge is played by a seasoned defense lawyer, while the officer is played by the only actor in the cast (Anthony Altieri). Eyewitnesses, bystanders, friends, and his widow, Esaw Snipes, all come to testify; meanwhile, credible expert witnesses who would have likely been called to testify in a real trial provide their testimonies for both the prosecution and the defense to create fair judicial proceedings.
The idea is powerfully simple: engage the services of two actual legal teams to create a rigorous, legally based fictional—yet unscripted—trial that never happened for one of the nation’s most disturbing recent tragedies. The accused is Officer Daniel Pantaleo (only recently fired by New York City Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill), charged in the July 17, 2014 death of Eric Garner with reckless manslaughter and strangulation in the first degree. The judge is played by a seasoned defense lawyer, while the officer is played by the only actor in the cast (Anthony Altieri). Eyewitnesses, bystanders, friends, and his widow, Esaw Snipes, all come to testify; meanwhile, credible expert witnesses who would have likely been called to testify in a real trial provide their testimonies for both the prosecution and the defense to create fair judicial proceedings.