By Kathryn O’Kane
Season 5 of Death Row Stories premieres this Sunday, April 19 at 9 PM ET/CT on HLN. The series features work by six NYWIFT members including board member Kathryn O’Kane and members Bari Pearlman and Marcella Steingart who directed episodes; Cindy Kaplan Rooney and Yvette Wojciechowski who edited; and researcher Dana Brandes-Simon.
Told by current and former death row inmates, each episode of Death Row Stories seeks to unravel the truth behind a different capital murder case and poses tough questions about the U.S. capital punishment system. The popular documentary crime series is produced in conjunction with Jigsaw Productions and Sundance Productions.
Steingart’s episode “Tale of the Tape” airs Sunday, April 19 at 10 PM. 19-year-old Jermaine Wright confesses to a murder and is sentenced to die. His lawyers work desperately to destroy the validity of the taped confession.
Pearlman’s episode “Predator or Prey” airs Sunday, April 26 at 9 PM. In the shadow of his impending execution, a Philadelphia man finally reveals the years of sexual abuse that led him to extreme measures when he was only 18.
O’Kane and Wojciechowski’s episode about the wrongful conviction of Corey Williams airs on Sunday, May 10 at 9 PM. When a Louisiana house party ends in murder, a teenager goes on trial. As evidence emerges, so does the truth.
And Kaplan Rooney and Brandes-Simon’s episode “The Wrong Gun” airs on Sunday, May 17 at 9 PM. After a drug deal in TX turns deadly, Nanon Williams receives the ultimate punishment. Fateful mistakes are revealed in his case.
Learn more about Death Row Stories.
Related Posts
NYWIFT Member Spotlight: Chris Grant
Today we’re shining a spotlight on member Chris Grant, who recently had a wonderful NYWIFT success story to share with us! Chris is an African American producer/writer/director based in New York City. An NYU Grad Film alum, his short films have won numerous festival awards, most recently the 2024 Big Apple Film Festival, and the 2024 Meliora International Film Festival. He's a 2018 Sundance Screenwriting Fellow for his script The Sugar Hill Express, based on a true story about a mother who takes her children from New York City Child Protective Services, highlighting the traumas faced by parents dealing with child/parent separation. He captures the enduring strength of Black families, inviting the world to witness their resilience and celebrate their stories. His most recent film Never Can Say Goodbye is, he says, inspired by a lot of people’s true stories. An African American mother, convicted and on the verge of prison, asks for one last chance to see her kids. But when her children refuse to say goodbye, she’s forced to make other plans. Chris talked to us about the film’s success and how he’s using its community engagement campaign to generate positive change.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Elba Sette-Camara
Let’s give a warm welcome to our new member, Elba Sette-Camara. Elba Sette-Camara is an accomplished actor, writer, and psychotherapist, celebrated for her compelling storytelling and dedication to portraying resilient women who have triumphed against the odds. Trained at the prestigious Actors Studio Drama School, Elba’s acting journey has seen her collaborate with iconic directors like Spike Lee and Luc Besson. With over 15 years as a practicing psychotherapist, she brings a deep understanding of human nature to her work, both on screen and on the page. A proud new member of New York Women in Film & Television, Elba continues to inspire through her multifaceted career in the arts and mental health.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Jill Ruby
Welcome to NYWIFT, Jill Ruby! We’re thrilled to introduce Jill Ruby, a seasoned podcast producer and editor whose work spans national organizations and top-tier networks like PBS, A&E, and Nickelodeon. With a background in television production and a strong track record in podcasting, Jill’s expertise and dedication to impactful storytelling have earned her multiple Webby-Anthem Awards and recognition in the industry. Beyond her professional achievements, Jill is a mother, a wife, and a creative spirit who’s equally at home in the editing suite as she is crafting new ideas for her next podcast project. In this interview, Jill shares her journey from television documentaries to podcasting, her approach to editing, and the stories that inspire her to keep pushing boundaries in the world of audio storytelling. Whether you're a fellow producer, a fan of podcasts, or simply curious about what it takes to create high-quality content, Jill's insights and pro tips are sure to resonate. Read on to learn more about her work, her inspiration, and her passion for connecting with audiences through the power of sound.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Johanna Tolentino
Welcome to NYWIFT Johanna Tolentino! Tolentino, whose acting journey began at just 16 with a role in the iconic film Lean On Me, alongside Morgan Freeman, has made her mark in both television and film, appearing in acclaimed shows like Orange is the New Black, Law & Order SVU, and the Creed films. With a rich background in theater, she has honed her craft at the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater in New York, bringing authenticity and depth to every character she portrays. Johanna’s latest project, the web series Whatever It Takes, reflects her personal journey as a survivor of narcissistic abuse, showcasing her resilience and commitment to sharing powerful stories. As she joins the NYWIFT community, Johanna expresses her excitement about connecting with fellow women creatives who inspire and uplift one another. Let’s dive into her remarkable journey, her approach to acting, and the impactful stories she aims to tell.
READ MORE
Comments are closed