All Rise: A Festival of Film & Law returns for its third year! Building on the momentum of last two year's success, we're thrilled to bring you another powerful lineup of documentary and narrative films that explore the dynamic relationship between law and cinema. Join us at each evening for screenings that will be followed by insightful panel discussions and guest speakers, sparking meaningful dialogue on justice and the legal landscape. Events will be hosted at Playhouse Square and the Cleveland State University Campus.

All Rise: A Festival of Film & Law is hosted by the CSU School of Film & Media Arts in partnership with the CSU College of Law with generous support from Lee and Ageleke Zapis.

All screenings are free and open to the public.

Schedule of Events

October 14, 2024

5:00 PM - Opening Night: A short Film Showcase and Conversation with George Elias Stephanopoulos at Westfield Studio Theater

Directed by Matthew Heckerling, Paul Robert Lingas

Join us for an engaging evening that blends film and law, featuring a special screening of select short films curated by George Stephanopoulos one of which he produced as part of an official Bronx Centennial Arts Event in 2014. These films explore legal themes and societal issues, offering unique insights through cinematic storytelling.

The screening will be followed by a discussion focusing on the intersection of film and law, and how storytelling can influence justice.

October 15, 2024

5:00 PM - Screening: Kemba at Moot Court Room

Directed by Kelley Kali

A sheltered college student falls in love, only to discover her boyfriend is a drug kingpin, thrusting her into the government's "war on drugs." Based on the true story of Kemba Smith, "Kemba" follows her harrowing journey as she is manipulated by her charming but abusive boyfriend Khalif, who drags her into his dangerous criminal world. Though she never handled drugs, Kemba faces severe consequences for her association with Khalif's crimes. As her life unravels, her parents, an NAACP attorney, and a powerful coalition of Black civic organizations, celebrities, and lawmakers come together to fight for her freedom.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion exploring the intersections of race, gender, and the criminal justice system. The conversation will delve into the broader implications of Kemba's story, examining how systemic racism, mass incarceration, and the "war on drugs" disproportionately impact Black women.

October 16, 2024

5:00 PM - Screening: My Cousin Vinny at School of Film & Media Arts Screening Room

Directed by Jonathan Lynn

Join us for a screening of the classic courtroom comedy My Cousin Vinny. When two New York college kids are mistakenly charged with murder in a small Southern town, it's up to their inexperienced, loud-mouthed cousin Vinny—a lawyer who just passed the bar on his sixth try—to save them. Packed with hilarious moments and sharp legal satire, this beloved film is a must-see for fans of comedy and courtroom dramas alike.

October 17, 2024

4:00 PM - Screening: Show Her the Money at Berkman Hall Auditorium

Directed by Ky Dickens

In Partnership with CSU|LAW and Weston Ideation Lab

Show Her The Money is a powerful documentary that shines a light on the stark reality that women receive less than 2% of venture capital funding. This film demystifies the world of venture capital and highlights the trailblazing female investors who are changing the game by backing diverse women entrepreneurs with groundbreaking innovations.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion focusing on economic justice and entrepreneurship.

October 18, 2024

5:00 PM - Screening: As We Speak at Westfield Studio Theater

Directed by J.M. Harper

Join us for a screening of As We Speak, a compelling documentary in which Bronx rap artist Kemba delves into the alarming trend of weaponizing rap lyrics in the U.S. criminal justice system and beyond. The film uncovers how law enforcement has increasingly used artists' creative expressions as evidence in criminal cases, a practice that has quietly persisted for decades. Through powerful storytelling and expert insights, As We Speak sheds light on the broader implications for free speech and artistic freedom in the face of this growing legal strategy.

The screening will be followed by a conversation with Sam Widdoes, entertainment attorney and lead producer of As We Speak.

Date: October 14-18, 2024

Cost: Free

Locations:
Cleveland State University College of Law, 1801 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115
FM 603 - School of Film and Media Arts, 1375 Euclid Avenue, 6th floor, Cleveland, OH 44115
Berkman Hall Auditorium, 1899 East 22nd Street, Cleveland, OH 44115
Westfield Studio Theater, 1375 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115

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