DC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, Nov. 27, 2023

FAMM to Premiere New Documentary, “District of Second Chances,” Dec. 7 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON  – FAMM, a leading criminal justice reform organization, is thrilled to announce the premiere of its latest documentary film, “District of Second Chances,” at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 7 from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. EST.

Event: “District of Second Chances” Premiere
Date: December 7, 2023
Reception: 6:00-7:00 p.m..
Screening: 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Q&A: 8:30-9:00 p.m.
Location: National Press Club, 529 14th St. NW, Washington, DC 20045
 
“District of Second Chances” takes viewers on an emotional journey through the lives of Anthony “Pete” Petty, Gene Downing, and Colie Levar Long—three men who were sentenced to life in prison during the 1990s but are now presented with a chance for freedom and a fresh start. The film brings to light the real-life impact of “second chance” legislation through the eyes of those it directly affects.
 
In a world where justice and redemption are often elusive, “District of Second Chances” offers a poignant look at the journey toward hope and reform. Join us for truly immersive picture of struggle, resilience, and the human capacity for transformation.

Watch the official trailer here: Trailer Link.
 
The event will begin with a reception, followed by a Q&A with stars Anthony “Pete” Petty, Gene Downing, Colie Levar Long, plus Wynette Yao, director and producer, Travis Edwards, cinematographer and editor, and Kevin Ring, executive producer.
 
“District of Second Chances” also features the following experts: D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen; Annalisa Buttici, Georgetown University; Lamont Carey, Mayor’s Office of Returning Citizens Affairs; Crystal Carpenter, Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth; Sarah Comeau, School Justice Project; Halim Flowers, Artist and Activist; Destiny Fullwood, Second Look Project; Kristin Henning, Georgetown University; Marc M. Howard, Georgetown University; U.S. Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton; Karl Racine, Former Attorney General; Marc Schindler, Maryland Department of Juvenile Services; Eric Weaver, National Association for the Advancement of Returning Citizens; and James Zeigler, Second Look Project.
 
Background on Second Look Laws in D.C.
 
In 2016, Washington, D.C., passed the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA). This particular “Second look” law says that judges can resentence people who committed their offense before their 18th birthday, have served a minimum of 20 years on their sentence, and show rehabilitation.  
 
In 2021, the District took a step further when it passed the Second Look Amendment Act (SLAA), which raised the age of eligibility from 18 to 25 years, provided the person applying for relief has served at least 15 years.
 
In 2022, the District passed the Criminal Code Revision Act (CCRA), which was a complete overhaul of the District’s criminal codes and included still more expansion of D.C.’s second look laws – sentencing review to anyone over the age of 25 at the time of their offense who has served at least 20 years. Unfortunately, despite unanimous passage of the CCRA by the D.C. Council and successful override of the mayor’s veto, the United States Congress overturned the CCRA.
 
To register for the screening, media inquiries, interviews, and additional information, please contact: Rabiah Alicia Burks at rabiahrab@gmail.com

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FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safely reduce incarceration, save taxpayer dollars, and keep families together. Founded in 1991, FAMM has secured bold sentencing and prison reform across the country while elevating the voices of directly impacted individuals and families.

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