Boston Public Library Presents TULIA, TEXAS

A crowd gathers at the Rabb Auditorium at the Boston Public Library to listen to a panel discussion and watch TULIA, TEXAS.

It was a packed screening of TULIA, TEXAS last night at the Boston Public Library. The film, which looks at one of the biggest drug busts in Texas history, prompted a conversation about the difficult task of prisoner re-entry into the community as well as the lack of compensation for those wrongly accused.

Following the screening, a discussion was led by Robert Feldman, a partner at Birnbaum & Godkin and a coordinator of the New England Innocence Project, Peter Yeager, a professor of sociology from Boston University and Andrea Leverentz, an assistant professor of sociology at UMASS Boston.

Robert Feldman, who works on many local cases, discussed the difficulties of being released after spending time in prison. His personal experience with clients provided a glimpse at the intricacies of prisoner re-entry into the community, including a story about one of his clients who was murdered after being released.

Many people in attendance were surprised by the film–expecting to hear about America’s battle against drugs, but walked away learning more about the justice system in their community.

This event was made possible by our Boston Producing Partners, Hostelling International, Eastern New England Council and Boston Cares, a member of the HandsOn Network and Points of Light Institute. Community Cinema works with a diverse group of Producing Partner organizations to produce Community Cinema events in 40 cities across the U.S. Producing Partner organizations range from public television stations to national organizations to local civic groups. Our partners collaborate with leading social issue organizations in their local community to co-present screening events and provide resources to educate audiences and promote civic engagement.

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Tags: independent film, justice system