Persons of Interest 2003
Distributed by First Run/Icarus Films, 32 Court St., 21st Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201; 800-876-1710
Produced by Lawrence Konner
Directed by Alison Maclean and Tobias Perse
VHS, color, 63 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Middle Eastern Studies, Human Rights, Civil Rights
Date Entered: 07/13/2004
Reviewed by Christine Rigda, Systems Dept., Oliver Ocasek Regional Medical Information Center, NEOUCOM, Rootstown, OhioThis video deals with Arab and Muslim immigrants who were taken into custody by the U.S. Justice Department after the attacks of 9/11. Several detainees and their families are interviewed for this film about their experiences.
What is most striking about this film is its simplicity. People are interviewed in a bare room reminiscent of a prison cell or interrogation room. The interviews don’t appear to be rehearsed or edited. We meet people who have lived and worked in the United States for over 20 years who have lost their businesses and their homes because of the investigations. Some were deported and their families left to fend for themselves.
The picture and sound qualities are excellent. Subtitles are used in certain cases.
Awards