SOCIAL JUSTICE DOCUMENTARIES
Wronged: The Maurice Carter Story
Directed By: Nathan Roels, 43 minutes
Maurice Carter, a man convicted of a crime he did not commit, finds himself trapped in the machinery of an unjust legal system in Benton Harbor, Michigan. As years behind bars erode his hope, his case captures the attention of Doug Tjapkes, a former radio newsman who believes the truth can still prevail. Together with a dedicated group of supporters, Tjapkes launches a relentless campaign to prove Maurice’s innocence, unearthing buried evidence and exposing systemic racism and corruption woven deep within the justice system.
Michigan Visits Matter: The Family Cost of Incarceration
Directed By: Bryce Mackie, 13 minutes
This unflinching short documentary sheds light on the devastating toll that visitation restrictions take on families affected by incarceration in the state of Michigan. Through intimate interviews and deeply personal stories, the film reveals how bureaucratic barriers and punitive policies fracture the bonds between incarcerated individuals and the loved ones who depend on staying connected. It is a powerful call to examine the human cost of a system that punishes far more than just those behind bars.
Did You Guys Eat? / Ya Comieron: Stories of Michigan Agriculture
Directed By: Stephany Slaughter, 60 minutes
This sweeping documentary journeys into the heart of Mid-Michigan’s remarkably diverse agricultural landscape—second only to California in crop variety. Following the rhythm of the growing season, the film introduces the individuals whose labor makes each meal possible: small family farmers, organic growers, and the often-overlooked seasonal migrant workers who form the backbone of the harvest. Beyond the fields and greenhouses, it highlights the vital support networks dedicated to the well-being of those who feed us. Equal parts celebration and call to awareness, this is a story not just about farming, but about the people, challenges, and invisible systems behind every plate of food.
Citizen: The Jilmar Ramos Gomez Story
Directed By: José Guadalupe Jiménez Jr., 30 minutes
This documentary tells the compelling story of Jilmar Ramos Gomez and the fight for justice that his case ignited. Through intimate interviews and archival material, the film examines the intersection of immigration policy, civil rights, and community resilience. It is a timely and urgent portrait of one individual’s experience that speaks to far broader questions about citizenship, belonging, and the American promise.