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Last Day of Freedom 2015

Highly Recommended

Distributed by Grasshopper Films, 12 East 32nd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016
Produced by Dee Hibbert-Jones and Nomi Talisman
Directed by Dee Hibbert-Jones and Nomi Talisman
DVD , color, 32 min.



Middle School - General Adult
Capital Punishment, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Identity

Date Entered: 11/16/2016

Reviewed by Malcolm L. Rigsby, Department of Sociology, Human Services, & Criminal Justice, Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas

Gripping! Last Day of Freedom will not let you go and it will force your consideration of humanity and social stigma.
~ Malcolm L. Rigsby

The extraordinary story of Manny as told by his brother Bill. A child like any other child experiences injury and becomes different. In an attempt to be accepted he experiences war and returns lost. His portrait is shared by many of our society. Seen as lost and worthless, watched by all but yet invisible in misery and need.

When Bill concludes the truth that Manny’s condition has led to the killing of another he struggles and finally goes to the authorities and turns Manny in. He fears the worst outcome for Manny. Bill now struggles with his role in Manny’s last day of freedom.

The film superbly provides much individual and group contemplation. It addresses head on the need for caring for those that are victimized by our society and fall through the cracks. Whether for politics, sociology or psychology viewers will find this film both intriguing and disturbing. The film’s website provides a trailer. Several means for viewing the film are available.

Awards

  • Best Short Film of 2015, International Documentary Association (IDA Award)
  • Nominated, 88th Academy Awards (Oscar, Best Short Documentary category
  • Jury Award, Best Short Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, Durham NC
  • Film Maker Award, Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University, Durham NC
  • Audience Award, Best Short, SF DocFest, San Francisco, CA
  • Jury Award, Best Short Documentary Hamptons International Film Festival, NY
  • Golden Strands Award, Outstanding Documentary Short Film, Tall Grass Int. Film Festival, Wichita KS
  • Animated Short Doc Award, Bar Harbor, ME
  • Impact Award (in) Justice for All International Film Festival, Chicago IL
  • Best Experimental Short, Atlanta Docufest, GA
  • Best Short Documentary, DC Indie Film Festival
  • Honorary Mention, Best Animated Documentary Short Film, Dak Leipzig, Denmark