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Crime + Punishment
Crime + Punishment
Documentary Feature
111 minutes
2018
Director(s): Stephen Maing
USA
Fri 12:40 PM Varsity 3
Sat 6:40 PM Varsity 3
Mon 10:10 AM Varsity 3
Synopsis
Oregon Premiere 

This observational documentary illuminates the stories of The NYPD 12, a group of black and brown active-duty officers and their efforts to expose illegal quotas and other harmful police practices that target young minorities in low-income New York City neighborhoods. Unprecedented access over four years connects their stories to an innocent young man who is being held in Rikers Island prison without trial and refuses to cop a plea and an unforgettable private investigator who works tirelessly to free him. they all bravely risk their safety, careers, and freedom to bring change to the systemic injustice in policing that has plagued New York City—and much of America—for decades. 
 
Part of the tribute to Indie Institution IDA, sponsored by Earth and Humanity Foundation
Director’s Statement
History may be written by "the victors,” but documentaries are our opportunity to correct incomplete narratives and challenge us to experience the struggles of others. For the cops and community members I documented, the film became an important chance to share a counter-narrative about policing most wouldn’t know. As a filmmaker, I’ve learned that journalistic practice may help us to be rigorous with investigative information, but following all the rules can sometimes keep us away from a deeper story. To demonstrate systemic criminal justice problems there were many times the subjects, and eventually I, felt the need to "steal" certain scenes in order to unearth more troubling human conditions and experiences invisible to the world. I was often reminded how the filming process may not be tidy and sometimes beckons to what is needed, but only if we stay open and listen. 
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