The Roots that Bind Us explores the origins of non-unanimous juries in Louisiana and the impact of this racist law today. The film focuses on three men – Jermaine, Herman and Lloyd – whose fates were sealed before they were ever born.  Through their stories, as well as expert testimony, archival research, animation, and poetry, the film exposes a system grown from the roots of slavery to incarcerate Black people. The film elevates the voices of those who fought and continue to fight for the Justice that’s owed to hundreds of people incarcerated all over Louisiana today. Documentary, 1h 34m, NR.

Featuring a post-screening Q&A with Director Sara Gozalo, Professor Angela Bell (Associate Professor B.K. Agnihotri Endowed Professor, Southern University), Professor Will Snowden (Director, The Juror Project), Claude-Michael Comeau (Promise of Justice Initiative Staff Attorney), and Jermaine Hudson (Exonerated Survivor, star of the film).

The screening will take place in Theater 1, RFC’s 124-seat capacity theater followed by the Q&A.