West of Memphis at SBIFF 2012

The cast and crew of the documentary film WEST OF MEMPHIS (2012) made a splash at the Santa Barbara International FIlm Festival (SBIFF) on February, 3rd, 2012. The film had its world premier just weeks before in Sundance. Following the screening, director Amy Berg, Damien Echols, and Lorri Davis attended a Q and A.

Read a summary of the film here:

SUMMARY by Sundance Film Festival- "For many people, the case of the West Memphis Three has become synonymous with wrongful conviction. Despite a lack of physical evidence, three Arkansas teenagers were found guilty in 1994 of the ritual murder of three eight-year-old boys. Media attention led to an outpouring of support that has kept them in the public consciousness for nearly two decades. Director Amy Berg examines the crime and its aftermath, providing a voice for the victims' families, including those with doubts about whether the right people are behind bars. Rather than focus on the accused, the film follows their supporters, including loved ones, attorneys, and celebrity advocates such as Eddie Vedder and Peter Jackson as they seek the truth. With the help of a former FBI profiler, a less sensational motive and suspect emerges - one shockingly, never investigated. WEST OF MEMPHIS follows the story of the West Memphis Three to its dramatic and unexpected conclusion, raising serious questions about justice and its compromises."

-SBIFF PRESS-

posted by Vanessa McMahon

photos by Benjamin Schwartz

Lorri Davis, Damien Echols and director Amy Berg.  

   director Amy Berg