DEFENDER: A Groundbreaking New Film on the Criminal Justice System in America
Hi. I’m Jeff Adachi, the writer and producer of two award winning PBS feature documentary films asking for your help to distribute our new feature film throughout the country:
“Defender” is a feature length film about the critical role that public defenders play in fighting for racial and social justice in America. The film takes viewers on a personal and intense tour through the underbelly of the criminal injustice system, seen through the eyes of SF Public Defender Jeff Adachi, who is one of the nation’s few elected public defenders. Adachi tells the story of how public defenders came to be, and why they play a critical role as the watchdogs of a system that over-incarcerates people of color and has long been out of control . Adachi also exposes the racism within the system.
Adachi represents a young African American man who is charged with assaulting police officers after being falsely accused of a crime in a case with racial overtones. In this era of mass incarceration and police shootings of young African American men, how do we, as a society, grapple with the issues of racism and implicit bias in policing and its consequences for those who question police authority? The film also follows Adachi’s public battle to allow his office to represent immigrants in deportation proceedings in post-Trump America and tells the story of a man who is being held in custody facing deportation, and the impact on his family.
The film is co-directed by Jim Choi, who has made several award winning films including “Chasing Seasons” and “The People’s Hospital,” and edited by Chihiro Wimbush (“Dogtown Redemption”).
How You Can Help Me
I believe in this project and made a feature film that addresses the critical issues of our time, but I need your help. I need to raise $5,000 to distribute the film. This is what we will use the money for:
We will enter the film festivals across the country and world. Most film festivals charge between $50-$100 to enter the film into festivals. It is an important way to ensure the film is seen by critics, industry professionals and the public.
We will approach schools and educators and offer the film as a teaching tool.
We have created an interactive website to accompany the viewing of the film, complete with a history/timeline section and teacher and student guide.
By contributing to this project, you will help bring this unique film about public defenders and criminal justice to people throughout the country at a time when criminal justice reform is a major issue on the minds of many Americans.
We will provide free copies to schools and educators who cannot afford to purchase it.
Please donate whatever you can to support our film and help make change!
The Impact
Your contribution will help:
Other Ways You Can Help
In addition to contributing to the Defender campaign, you may:
Thank you for your help and support!