Lockdown, USA | Cinequest

Running time: 87 mins

(Also known as I Fought the Law)

A provocative and moving story, Lockdown, USA is a powerful depiction of how hip-hop impresario Russell Simmons rallies a community to fight ?the system? in New York. Wanda Best?s husband was sentenced to 15 years to life as a first time, non-violent drug offender. The charismatic Simmons takes on the mission to help the Bests by humanizing the archaic drug laws which so severely punished Mr. Best.

Director Rebecca Chaikin and Michael Skolnik explore the impact of New York's Rockefeller Drug Laws by interweaving Best?s story of raising her five kids alone, and Simmons' crusade. While focusing on Simmons? unorthodox methods of politicizing the community, Lockdown, USA takes us inside the process as Simmons wheels and deals with the ruling elite.

A primer in political reality, Lockdown, USA is a strong lesson on how the political system takes people?famous or not?chews them up and spits them out.

Sandy Wolf

MAVERICK COMPETITION

Season:

2007

Director:

Rebecca Chaiklin, Michael Skolnik

Cinematography:

Matthew Akers

Cast:

Wanda Best, Randy Credico, Dr. Banjamin Chavis, Sean

Editor:

Martha Skolnik, Sabine Hoffman

Producer:

Rebecca Chaiklin, Michael Skolnik