A Cyntoia Brown Documentary Is In The Works
The documentary has been acquired by Netflix.
A documentary chronicling Cyntoia Brown's incarceration and fight for clemency is in the works.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the untitled Documentary has been acquired by Netflix, and will be directed by Daniel H. Birman. Birman also directed and produced Me Facing Life: Cyntoia's Story, the 2011 documentary film that was a part of PBS's Independent Lens series.
Per The Hollywood Reporter:
"Birman will document the still ongoing updates in Brown's story, which began in 2004, when a then 16-year-old Brown was arrested in Nashville, Tennessee, for murdering a 43-year-old man who solicited her up for sex. Brown was tried as an adult and sentenced to life in prison. But in 2019, after nearly 10 years of legal challenges, Gov. Bill Haslam granted her request for clemency. He did so following a slow shift in the state for legislative change in juvenile sentencing laws and having seen evidence of her maturity, education and good behavior as a prisoner."
The documentary will also include Brown's release from prison, which is happening in August this year.
Brown was granted clemency by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam earlier this year.
"Cyntoia Brown committed, by her own admission, a horrific crime at the age of 16," Haslam said in a statement shortly after announcing his clemency decision. "Yet, imposing a life sentence on a juvenile that would require her to serve at least 51 years before even being eligible for parole consideration is too harsh, especially in light of the extraordinary steps Ms. Brown has taken to rebuild her life. Transformation should be accompanied by hope. So, I am commuting Ms. Brown's sentence, subject to certain conditions."
Brown is now eligible for release August 7 on time served and will stay on parole for 10 years. She will also be required to participate in regular counseling sessions and to perform at least 50 hours of community service, including working with at-risk youth, as well as get a job.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter