TIME: THE KALIEF BROWDER STORY
A preview of the first two episodes of the new Spike TV docuseries examining a case of wrongful incarceration.
Festival Section:
Special Events
Sundance Program Description:
At 16, Kalief Browder was charged with stealing a backpack, then arrested in the Bronx. He proclaimed his innocence, fought the system, and in the face of torture and unthinkable circumstances, he prevailed. For this, Kalief became an American hero – but he paid with his life. In a groundbreaking six part docuseries, executive produced by Jay Z, TIME: THE KALIEF BROWDER STORY is an in-depth look at this harrowing story. Using illuminating interviews with world-renowned experts, celebrities, politicians, local officials, and survivors creates eye-opening nonfiction and humanizes the mechanical levers of justice while forcing Americans to reexamine the broken system. Utilizing multiple filmmaking techniques to create a unique and disruptive style, the series takes the viewer deeper and deeper into the perfect storm of the institutional failure that conspired to destroy Kalief Browder.
Some Background:
Director/Executive Producer:
Past Sundance docs:
WELCOME TO LEITH (2015, producer)
Among Furst’s other notable producing credits are two docuseries: SundanceTV’s BRICK CITY and CNN’s CHICAGOLAND.
Producer:
This is Gasparro’s first Sundance credit. He previously produced the narrative feature THE WANNABE, which Furst also produced.
Executive Producers:
Past Sundance docs:
ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE (2002)
Weinstein has been a regular presence at Sundance for decades, acquiring titles for The Weinstein Co and, before that, Miramax.
The celebrated musician previously co-executive produced the hybrid AN OVERSIMPLIFICATION OF HER BEAUTY (2012).
The Weinstein Co co-chairman previously executive produced the Sundance narrative features ASSASSINATION OF A HIGH SCHOOL PRESIDENT (2008) and NARC (2002).
Sandow is best known for his work as an actor in ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK. He also wrote/directed THE WANNABE.
Past Sundance docs:
WELCOME TO LEITH
Nason also produced Furst’s narrative feature HOUSES, which was co-written and executive produced by Sandow.
Why You Should Watch:
Browder’s tragic story has drawn much-needed attention to the abuses of the criminal justice system, and, in particular, the injustices visited upon young African-American men. Sundance audiences will have an advance look at the first two episodes of the six-part series before its television broadcast brings the story – and the disturbing larger issues it underscores – to a wider audience.
More Info:
Website
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