Hilary Swank Visits Prison Fellowship; Q&A on Wrongful Convictions, Faith

11/04/2010



Dear friends,

Hilary Swank, two-time Oscar recipient, flew to Lansdowne, Virginia, to visit Prison Fellowship's offices for a private screening of her new movie, Conviction. Following the sneak preview, Ms. Swank participated in a question and answer session about wrongful convictions and the role churches can play in advocating for reforms. It was a very special evening for all who participated. (video highlights)

Conviction is a remarkable movie that tells the true story of Betty Anne Waters, who spent 18 years working to free her brother, Kenny, who had been convicted for murder based on false testimony. I wrote of the impact of the movie in the last Justice eReport. And I wanted to share with you the secial evening we enjoyed last Thursday. Swank surprised us by bringing with her the woman she portrays in the movie, Betty Anne Waters, and her best friend, Abra Rice (played by Minnie Driver), who kept Betty Anne's spirits up during the long struggle to prove Kenny's innocence. What a thrilling experience it was to be able to visit with Swank and the two women who actually righted the injustice done to Kenny!


Hilary Swank with Pat Nolan at
Prison Fellowship Headquarters

The story of how the evening came about is truly a blessing. The showing and Q&A were suggested by Hilary Swank herself. Swank explained her idea behind the evening: “I have seen how important faith can be in helping prisoners through difficult times. I wanted to share the film, CONVICTION, with other faith minded people to remind them of the important role they play in reforming our justice system and helping prisoners and their families.” I never would have been bold enough to suggest this event. But God moved in Swank's heart and provided a very inspirational evening.

In answer to a question from the audience, Swank explained the reason she chose to become executive producer of the movie. “When I read this script, I thought it was a great story of faith. Faith in this other person, the faith that Kenny had in his sister that made her feel loved, to continue on,” she said. “And you know, that faith can be compared in myriad ways: to having faith in a higher power, faith in trusting your future, having hope.”

Swank spoke of the importance of the movie in provoking discussion of the need for reforms, “Knowledge is power and the more we talk, the more we learn. I carry Betty Anne in my heart and I am a better person for it.”

Swank also reflected on the role faith plays in inmates' hearts. “I’ve met twelve other exonerees since the movie has come out,” she said in an interview prior to the panel discussion. “And all of them talk about having found faith in prison, that it was what got them through their ordeal and the circumstances.”

In response to an inquiry from the audience, Betty Anne Waters spoke of the importance of support from members of the community. “There are so many things the community can do to help prisoners. Even something as simple as sending a letter or buying a coat,” Waters said. Here are some video highlights of the very special evening.

I hope that like Ms. Swank's inspiration to take the time to come and speak with our ministry, you too will find the time to see CONVICTION and discuss it with your friends and family. The story is truly a testament to the power of faith. Here is a link to help you find where Conviction is playing near you. However, I should warn you that there are many bad words in the movie. It is a prison movie, and the producers decided to keep them in because they wanted to show that Kenny was a flawed person, but no less deserving of justice. If that type language offends you, you should not see the movie.

Ms. Swank sent me a note the day after the wonderful evening:

Mr. Nolan,

I am deeply flattered to have had the opportunity to meet with you, Rev. Lee, and your Prison Ministry Fellowship last night. All that you are doing for those close to the issue of criminal justice and injustice is not only vital for our government, friends and family, but also inspirational to me as an individual.

I appreciate your support of CONVICTION and all that you do to make the world a place where we can help each other through challenging journeys like Betty Anne's (my real life hero), and Kenny's.

With respect,
Hilary


In His service,



Pat Nolan
Vice-President, Prison Fellowship

Resources

Conviction locations

Video Highlights of the Q&A

Media coverage of the evening:
Washington Post
Christian Post
Leesburg Today (article)
Leesburg Today (video)

Justice Fellowship's Protecting the Innocent resource page

Justice eReport: "Protecting the Innocent"

Conviction Website

The Innocence Project

Boston Globe article




Commission on the Fair Administration of Justice



Frequent Errors that Lead to False Convictions and Suggested Solutions






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