The Sing Sing Chronicles
USA. 2024. 90 min. Dawn Porter. NBC. English. NR.
Directed by Dawn Porter, The Sing Sing Chronicles is a four-episode exposé built on two-decades of original investigative reporting with unprecedented access to one of America’s most notorious prisons. Crafted from an archive of more than 1,000 hours of footage filmed from 2002 to present day, the series tells the story of a journalist and a man convicted of murder who begin as strangers but become like brothers. Their unlikely connection, forged in the cell blocks of Sing Sing Correctional Facility, ignites a search for justice in four unrelated homicide cases.
This special screening will premiere episodes 1 and 2 of the docuseries.
November 18, 2024 (Only) FREE Special Student Screening and Q&A with Dan Slepian, Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez, and David Lemus
Date: Monday, November 18, 2024
Time: 9:30 AM—12:00 PM
Location: JBFC Theater, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville, NY 10570
Grade Level: High School
Note: Buses must arrive at the JBFC Theater by 9:15 AM. The JBFC will cover the cost of ONE bus for under-resourced schools. Bus availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. All bus invoices must be sent to JBFC within 60 days after the event in order to be paid. This event will be photographed. Prior to the event, educators will be asked to return photo releases for all students attending.
Special Guest: Dan Slepian, Original Reporter & Cinematographer
Dan Slepian is a journalist at NBC News and a veteran producer of its signature newsmagazine, Dateline. The Sing Sing Chronicles follows two decades of his work as he investigates the convictions of six men in five unrelated homicide cases in a relentless pursuit of the truth. Slepian’s documentaries and investigative specials have made him a leader in reporting on the criminal legal system and wrongful convictions. His work has earned three Edward R. Murrow Awards, over a dozen Emmys, and recognition from justice organizations nationwide. Slepian is the author of recently released book The Sing Sing Files, and is host of the acclaimed podcast Letters from Sing Sing, recognized as a Pulitzer finalist.
Special Guest: Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez, Exonerated Film Subject
Jon-Adrian Velazquez is an advocate for legal reform and a champion for those wrongfully convicted. He is the program director for the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice where he leads the organization’s National Prison Visitation Program in an effort to redefine the humanity of people serving time in prison. In addition to his real-life advocacy, Velazquez portrays himself in the acclaimed film Sing Sing, starring Colman Domingo, which depicts the facility’s Rehabilitation Through the Arts program. Velazquez was incarcerated nearly 24 years for a crime he did not commit. He is a father of two, grandfather of three and lives in Connecticut with his fiancée, Geri.
Special Guest: David Lemus, Exonerated Film Subject
David Lemus is speaking out about his wrongful conviction with the hope that it will inspire deeper understanding and meaningful change. He met JJ Velazqeuz while serving time in side-by-side cells, and later introduced him to journalist Dan Slepian. Lemus’ conviction was overturned in 2005, and he was released from prison after serving nearly 15 years for a crime he did not commit. In 2007, he was retried and acquitted. He has spent the past two decades building his life in Florida. Lemus is a father of three and lives with his fiancée, Yesica.
