The Execution of Wanda Jean

Running time: N/A

Award winning director Liz Garbus (The Farm: Angola, USA) returns with her latest exploration of the criminal justice system-a riveting document of one woman's struggle to get off death row. Oklahoma City, 1989 - Wanda Jean Allen is sentenced to death after killing her lover. Eleven years later, she awaits her execution date. As Wanda's fateful day approaches, her story unfurls like a taut drama, where at every turn, Wanda and her attorney are met with immense obstacles. The case is not simple: while Wanda is clearly not innocent, the extent of her culpability is tested due to her borderline mental retardation and brain damage. One of the most extraordinary elements is Garbus' brilliant and moving portrayal of Wanda Jean's close relationship with her attorney-leading to several extremely heart-wrenching moments. Yet, it is Wanda Jean's strong conviction for life that keeps everyone's spirits high, as every option to save her life is exhausted. At its essence, The Execution of Wanda Jean is a poignant examination of state power, vengeance, punishment, and devastating loss. Since the reinstatement of capital punishment in 1976, it has become a fiercely debated topic, and Garbus' film provides an intimate look at the roles poverty, mental health, race, and sexuality play within the criminal justice system. Reviewed by Al Owens. Preceded by: tHE tower oF BaBBle (Jeff Wadlow, 21 min., USA) Three unique stories, framed by a monkey at a typewriter, suggest that language is finite, expression is finite. Narrated by Kevin Spacey (American Beauty).