How All Rise: A Festival of Film & Law and film in general can benefit our community.
Written by Jalen Hobson
“The idea is to explore the intersection of film and law, or film and justice, and look at these issues through cinematic storytelling.”
Many people go to the movies to escape from reality. For some films, however, escape is not an option, as they bring attention to things happening all over the world. Law-based films are a strong example of this. All Rise: A Festival of Film & Law is the annual vessel in which these films are being delivered to our community.
A collaboration between Cleveland State University (CSU)’s College of Law and School of Film and Media Arts (FMA), All Rise: A Festival of Film & Law was created as a “gift,” in the words of Cisgard Slankard, CSU’s FMA director. This “gift,” comes from two of the school’s donors, Lee and Ageleke Zapis, with the former being an alumnus.
“The idea is to explore the intersection of film and law, or film and justice, and look at these issues through cinematic storytelling,” Slankard said.
In my opinion, this year’s festival had some strong films. While some illustrated the process of the justice system in a humorous light, such as “My Cousin Vinny,” others stood out in illustrating the reality of the hidden aspects of how the system works, affecting those involved.
I had the pleasure of attending two examples of this: “Kemba” and “As We Speak.” While the current system in place is to protect us and serve justice, these films also remind us that, like anything, it is not perfect either. “Kemba,” which is based on a true story, depicts a woman who was incarcerated as an accomplice of her boyfriend’s drug trafficking activities, despite not actually participating in the activities. “As We Speak” is a documentary that brings attention to how rap lyrics are used as evidence in court against their respective artists, increasing the incarceration rate not just in the U.S., but internationally as well.
As a member of the African American community, these films specifically struck a chord with me, as they not only reminded me of issues I’m well aware of, but also expanded on them. These films educated me, as I’m sure they did to many others in attendance.
Issues of race and incarceration were not the only issues that these films shed light on. Economic justice is also explored with “Show Her The Money,” a movie that explains venture capital and how women receive so little of it.
We often go to the movies to take a break from the real world, but, in this case, it is a good thing that there is no break as we’re reminded of the issues that are transpiring around us every day. Even outside the realm of justice, social issues like race, gender and economics are explored in the films featured in All Rise: A Festival of Film & Law. It is important for us to find takeaways from films like these. Even other films that we go to for that escape are filled with messages and commentary. Whether it be social, economic, political or religious, there is something in them for everyone. It is our job as viewers to contemplate these messages and how we can use them to better the world around us.
All Rise: A Festival of Film & Law succeeds in its purpose to entertain and educate, and I’m excited to attend next year’s as well.