Pete, Gene, Colie. Each man experienced a violent youth and was convicted of murder in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol. Decades later, will our justice system give them a second chance at life?

Interview with Writer/Director Wynette Yao and Producer Travis Edwards

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

District of Second Chances is a great opportunity to drop in and see what it means to people's lives when there's a new law, in this case for second chances. We follow three D.C. men who were convicted of murder in their teens, and given life sentences. Decades later, thanks to second-chance legislation, they are given the possibility of freedom.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

I love filmmaking because it allows the audience to come into close contact with people that they would never meet otherwise, in situations they could never imagine. District of Second Chances was a chance to go behind the usually impenetrable barbed wire walls of prison to meet the flawed, striving and very human individuals who find themselves incarcerated.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

District of Second Chances is a classic story of men trying to return home. Each of the main characters is also on a personal journey of redemption.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

We had the joy and terror of not knowing what would happen, so we could only set up the story and then see how things developed for the men. The film evolved with their lives.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Very positive, which is gratifying. "The film was a joy." (Unseen Films) "Inspiring and powerful." (Nerds That Geek) "Emotional, thought-provoking." (Filmfactual) "The film grabs your heart immediately, while not being naive." (Merle Worth, Filmmaker) "This film is guaranteed to lift spirits and change minds." (James Forman, Jr., Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I'm so pleased that our passion and respect came through in the film.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I want to share this film and the stories of the men in it. I hope people will open their hearts and minds and support second-look laws and policies for deserving incarcerated people.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

We need distributors, sales agents, buyers, film festival directors and journalists to help us get District of Second Chances out into the world and seen by as many as possible.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I am hoping that the audience is moved by the humanity of the people in the film, especially as these are people who are generally looked down upon or dismissed. I would love to have an impact on people's assumptions that life sentences are effective as a crime deterrent and that people with long sentences deserve it. "If you do the crime, you do the time" doesn't take into account the length of the time and whether it truly serves our society.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Does someone who has committed a murder deserve a second chance?

Would you like to add anything else?

We filmed for the better part of 2 years, looking at three people at different stages of the journey. There were many ups and downs, both for the main characters and the film. It was an adventure and an honor to capture their journeys.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

TBD.

Interview: December 2023

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

District of Second Chances

Pete, Gene, Colie. Each man experienced a violent youth and was convicted of murder in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol. Decades later, will our justice system give them a second chance at life?

Length: 1:17:00

Director: Wynette Yao

Producer: Travis Edwards

Writer: Wynette Yao

About the writer, director and producer:

WYNETTE YAO, an acclaimed filmmaker known for her diverse repertoire spanning subjects from Egypt to tornadoes, bees, and bog mummies, thrives on storytelling that breathes life into historical, scientific, social justice, and contemporary narratives. Having previously crafted compelling narratives for the National Geographic Channel, Discovery, and the Smithsonian Channel, Yao joined the FAMM Foundation, a non-profit advocating for criminal justice reform, as a filmmaker. Notable among these are the award-winning productions Half of Us and The Vanishing Trial (recognized at the Bronx Social Justice Matters Festival and awarded 1st Place, Documentary Shorts).

Responsible for the cinematography and editing of District of Second Chances is TRAVIS EDWARDS. His diverse portfolio spans commercial, documentary, and narrative projects, driven by a commitment to the impactful nature of storytelling through video. Edwards’ award-winning work ranges from undercover filming in puppy mills to capturing political landscapes in D.C. He aims to present ideas and narratives in innovative and captivating ways and to positively influence people’s lives.

Key cast: Anthony Petty, Gene Downing, Colie Levar Long

Looking for: distributors

Facebook: District of Second Chances

Instagram: @districtofsecondchances

Hashtags used: #DWFNYC #danceswithfilmsfestival #officialselection2023 #indiefilm #filmfestival #documentary #criminaljustice #worldpremiere #NYCpremiere #womandirector #filmproduction #filmmakersworld #filmmaking #fammfoundation

Website: districtofsecondchances.com

Other: IMDb

Made in association with: FAMM Foundatoin