Jay Z's Kalief Browder Docuseries To Premiere At Sundance 2017
A trailer has been released for the forthcoming documentary series on Kalief Browder.
The two and a half minute video gives a glimpse into TIME: The Kalief Browder Story, and begins with Browder being questioned on May 15, 2010.
"I just needed to get my story out," Browder can be heard saying as the scene transitions into the night in which he was arrested. Ultimately, he was incarcerated on false charges of robbery and imprisoned without conviction for three years.
Browder maintained his innocence throughout his imprisonment, refusing to take the plea bargain that would have released him. However, during the time in which he was held in solitary confinement, Browder experienced mistreatment by both officers and prisoners alike.
Upon being released from Rikers Island in 2013, Browder ended up committing suicide two years later by hanging himself. Since then his case has been used as a means of reforming New york City's criminal justice system.
Judging by the teaser the documentary series will be tackling the incident with Browder head on.
The Kalief Browder Story is being spearheaded by Jay Z and the Weinstein Company.
"Kalief Browder is a modern-day prophet; his story a failure of the judicial process," Jay Z said during a press conference. "A young man, and I emphasize young man, who lost his life because of a broken system. His tragedy has brought atrocities to light and now we must confront the issues and events that occurred so other young men can have a chance at justice."
The documentary series is made up of six parts, but two of the first parts will premiere at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival. A synopsis of the series is as follows:
"After his arrest at age 16, Kalief Browder fought the system and prevailed, despite unthinkable circumstances. He became an American hero. The Festival will debut the first two episodes of this in-depth, humanizing look at a broken justice system, followed by an extended Q&A."
The Kalief Browder Story will begin showing in January on Spike TV. The episodes will feature dramatic reenactments of the young man’s life, archival footage, as well as interviews with family and friends.
Check out the trailer below.
