American Trial:

The Eric Garner Story

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A one-of-a-kind unscripted courtroom drama,
AMERICAN TRIAL: THE ERIC GARNER STORY presents the case against the NYPD Officer caught on video choking Eric Garner, who gasped “I can’t breathe” several times before dying on the sidewalk. No one was ever put on trial for his killing.
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AMERICAN TRIAL employs actual prosecutors, defense attorneys and experts, presenting the real-life evidence and witnesses to Garner’s death. The film follows real courtroom rules of evidence and trial procedures, right up to the verdict, when you get to decide: Is NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo guilty as charged?

FILM INFO

​Genre: Crime, Docu-Drama, Hybrid
Runtime: 101 minutes
Rated: NR - PG recommendation

Director: Roee Messinger
Executive Producers: Ralph Richardson, James Jenkins
Producers: Alena Svyatova, Roee Messinger

Cast: Esaw Garner, Alan Dershowitz, Netta Elzie, Deron McKesson, Anthony Altieri, Priya Chaudhry, Robert Brown, Thomas Kenniff, Steven Raiser

Select Press:

"An intriguing and well-executed attempt to supply something Americans were denied,"
- John DeFore, The Hollywood Reporter - link to review

"Ultimately 'American Trial: The Eric Garner Story' is a kick in the ass and a wake up call concerning the criminal justice system. It is a must see film." 
- Steve Kopian, Unseen Films

"Roee Messinger’s film goes deep into the case, placing the audience in the position of the jury."
- Radio Facts

"Messinger’s first feature is a revelation: an urgent and compelling film so formally innovative that it feels as if you’re witnessing the birth of a new genre."
- Nelson Kim, Hammer to Nail

Featuring Real-Life Witnesses & Experts in the Death of Eric Garner

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Following real courtroom rules of evidence and trial procedures.

Alan Dershowitz, Professor

Harvard School of Law

Deray McKesson, Author

On the Other Side of Freedom: The Case For Hope

Netta Elzie, Activist

ThisIsTheMovement.org

Gallery:

Roee Messinger, Director

"From the beginning, my intention has always been to show the truest possible version of the trial that so many people around the country – and around the world – feel should have happened. But it was always important to me not to take on the role of judge, jury and certainly not the role of executioner. The power of AMERICAN TRIAL, lies in its objectivity.
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At the end of the day, I don’t believe that film and art can change reality, only actions can create real change, but in order to provoke action, one must first provoke thought, and it is my hope that this film does just that. "

American Trial: The Eric Garner Story

Limited Virtual Theatrical Release ~ Click here to watch now!

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