A New York grand jury decided not to prosecute Police Officer Daniel Pantaleo for Eric Garner's death back in 2014. We will show the trial that could have taken place, using real lawyers and the actual witnesses who would have testified in court had the case been tried.
A New York grand jury decided not to prosecute Police Officer Daniel Pantaleo for Eric Garner's death back in 2014. We will show the trial that could have taken place, using real lawyers and the actual witnesses who would have testified in court had the case been tried.
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Story
Mission Statement
The story of Eric Garner is first and foremost a story about racial relations and about the movement for black lives. Our cast and crew exemplify the diversity and multiculturalism of American society with formidable representations of women, people of color, religious minorities and lawyers ;)About The Project
On July 17, 2014, Eric Garner was approached by the NYPD on the streets of Staten Island for selling loose cigarettes. A cell phone video of the incident shows that in an attempt to take Garner into custody, Officer Daniel Pantaleo put his arm around his neck. Despite calling out “I can’t breathe” eleven times, Garner was only released from the officer's hold after losing consciousness. He was pronounced dead shortly after.
The matter was investigated by a Staten Island grand jury which opted not to indict Pantaleo for any crime.
American Trial seeks to discover what a trial in the Eric Garner case might have taught us. How is our legal system designed to handle cases such as Garner’s? What verdict may have been returned after all the evidence was presented? More importantly, what conversations, perspectives and emotions went unexamined because of the grand jury’s decision?
Similarly to fiction courtroom dramas, the lead characters of this documentary will be the attorneys leading the prosecution and the defense. Our camera will capture them as they develop their public arguments and individual positions. How do they decide which witnesses to summon? How do they prepare for their court appearance? Are there any discrepancies between their systemic role and their true feelings regarding the case?
The film will also follow a news crews covering the trial and reporting on race relations in America within the context of the trial and the movement for black lives. They will travel across America to discover what public figures, intellectuals and activitsts think about the Eric Garner case, as well as other similar cases through the prism of racial relations in the United States.
The proposed budget for the entire film is $180,000, but we only need $70,000 to get us through the production phase. We've already raised $20,000 through private investment which is why our Seed & Spark goal is $50,000.
Just like most productions, the biggest chunck is of course the crew. Our camera and lenses expenses are also quite substantial since we're going to film the trial as a live event, using a multi camera setup to allow sufficient coverage.
Being the innovative film project that we strive to be, we're looking to shake things up when it comes to our incentives as well. Like most projects, we will offer the traditional postcard from the set, online screeners and production credits. We will also offer our backers a chance to come to our set and participate in the live shot trial as an audience member or even as a juror!
We also want to encourage you to tell your friends about us, so after you've made your contribution (no matter the amount), we will give you a $1 credit toward one of our incentives for every email that you send to a friend or a family member asking them to contribute to our campaign (and cc [email protected]). You may not be able to afford $100 and get our delux digital package, but maybe you can contribute $5 and send out 95 emails. If you'd be interested in doing that, please write to us and let us know, so we can offer assistance and support as needed.
Incentives
$5
Citizen
We know that a lot of people supporting this film have limited resources and our biggest thank you goes to those who make the biggest effort even if the contribution itself is more modest. You will receive a personal thank you email from the director of the film.
We also want to encourage you to tell your friends about us, so for every email that you send to a friend or a family member asking them to contribute to our campaign (and cc [email protected]) we will give you a $1 credit toward one of our incentives. You may not be able to afford $100 and get our delux digital package, but maybe you can contribute $5 and send out 95 emails. If you'd be interested in doing that, please write to us and let us know, so we can instruct and support you in spreading the word.
$25
Paralegal
A free streaming link you can use to watch the film in the comfort of your own home
Plus:
- Social media thank yous!
We also want to encourage you to tell your friends about us, so for every email that you send to a friend or a family member asking them to contribute to our campaign (and cc [email protected]) we will give you a $1 credit toward one of our incentives. You may not be able to afford $100 and get our delux digital package, but maybe you can contribute $5 and send out 95 emails. If you'd be interested in doing that, please write to us and let us know, so we can instruct and support you in spreading the word.
$50
First Year Law Student
An exclusive streaming link available 30-60 days before the film's theatrical release
Plus:
- Social media thank yous!
We also want to encourage you to tell your friends about us, so for every email that you send to a friend or a family member asking them to contribute to our campaign (and cc [email protected]) we will give you a $1 credit toward one of our incentives. You may not be able to afford $100 and get our delux digital package, but maybe you can contribute $5 and send out 95 emails. If you'd be interested in doing that, please write to us and let us know, so we can instruct and support you in spreading the word.
$75
Second Year Law Student
A commemorative postcard from the set with a personalized thank you signed by the cast and crew
Plus:
- An exclusive streaming link available 30-60 days before the film's theatrical release
- Social media thank yous!
We also want to encourage you to tell your friends about us, so for every email that you send to a friend or family member asking them to contribute to our campaign (and cc [email protected]) we will give you a $1.00 credit toward one of our incentives.
You may not be able to afford $100 and get our delux digital package, but maybe you can contribute $75 and send out 25 emails. If you'd be interested in doing that, please write to us and let us know, so we can send you the full instructions about our incentives credit program.
$100
Third Year Law Student
Downloadable Digital Package Delux including the unreleased director's cut of the film, extra features, interviews and other deleted scenes.
Plus:
- Personalized thank you postcard from the set signed by the cast and crew
- An exclusive streaming link available 30-60 days before the film's theatrical release
- Social media thank yous!
$150
The Bar
A commemorative courtroom drawing of a scene from the film sent to you on a high quality parchment paper, numbered and signed by the artist!
Plus:
- Delux digital package of the complete film with all the extra features and deleted scenes
- Personalized thank you postcard from the set signed by the cast and crew
- Exclusive streaming link available 30-60 days before the film's theatrical release
- Downloadable link after the theatrical release of the film
- Social media thank yous!
Claimed: 1 of 500
$200
Lawyer
Invitation to sit in our courtroom in New York City and be a member of our audience for half a shooting day (not including transportation and lodging)
Plus:
- A commemorative courtroom drawing of a scene from the film
- Personalized thank you postcard from the set signed by the cast and crew
- Delux digital package of the complete film with all the extra features and deleted scenes
- Exclusive streaming link available 30-60 days before the film's theatrical release
- Downloadable link after the theatrical release of the film
- Social media thank yous!
(Due to limited seating availability this incentive is not availabe as part of our incentive credit program)
Claimed: 1 of 200
$400
Junior Partner
Invitation to a private cast and crew screening of the film in New York (transportation and lodging not included)
Plus:
- A commemorative courtroom drawing of a scene from the film
- Personalized thank you postcard from the set signed by the cast and crew
- Delux digital package of the complete film with all the extra features and deleted scenes
- An exclusive streaming link available 30-60 days before the film's theatrical release
- Downloadable link after the theatrical release of the film
- Social media thank yous!
(Due to limited seating availability this incentive is not available as part of our incentives credit program)
Claimed: 0 of 100
$800
Senior Partner
Walk the red carpet with us at the world premier of the film (transportation and lodging not included) and enjoy a pampering VIP gift bag given to you in person by the film's director
Plus:- A commemorative courtroom drawing of a scene from the film
- Personalized thank you postcard from the set signed by the cast and crew
- Delux digital package of the complete film with all the extra features and deleted scenes
- Exclusive streaming link available 30-60 days before the film's theatrical release
- Downloadable link after the theatrical release of the film
- Social media thank yous!
(Due to limited seating availability this incentive is not available as part of our incentives credit program)
Claimed: 0 of 20
$1,000
Public Defender
Your NAME on the special thank yous of the film credits and our IMDB page
Plus:
- Walk the red carpet with us at one of the film festivals the film will be screened at (transportation and lodging not included)
- A pampering VIP gift bag given to you in person by the film's director.
- A commemorative courtroom drawing of a scene from the film
- Personalized thank you postcard from the set signed by the cast and crew
- Delux digital package of the complete film with all the extra features and deleted scenes
- An exclusive streaming link available 30-60 days before the film's theatrical release
- Downloadable link after the theatrical release of the film,
- Social media thank yous!
$1,500
District Attorney
Get an Associate Producer's credit and get a free pass to our set (lodging and transportation not included), where you can watch a film get made, converse with the cast and crew and meet Eric's Garner's wife Esaw
Plus:- Walk the red carpet with us at one of the film festivals the film will be screened at (transportation and lodging not included) and enjoy a pampering VIP gift bag given to you in person by the film's director.
- A commemorative courtroom drawing of a scene from the film.
- Personalized thank you postcard from the set signed by the cast and crew
- Delux digital package of the complete film with all the extra features and deleted scenes
- An exclusive streaming link available 30-60 days before the film's theatrical release
- Downloadable link after the theatrical release of the film,
- Social media thank yous!
(Due to limited space on our set this incentive is not available as part of our incentives credit program)
Claimed: 0 of 10
$2,500
Attorney General
Get a Co-Producer's credit and join us at our wrap party!
Plus:
- Get a free pass to our set (lodging and transportation not included), where you can watch a film get made, converse with the cast and crew and meet Eric's Garner's wife Esaw
- Walk the red carpet with us at one of the film festivals the film will be screened at (transportation and lodging not included) and enjoy a pampering VIP gift bag given to you in person by the film's director
- A commemorative courtroom drawing of a scene from the film
Personalized thank you postcard from the set signed by the cast and crew - Delux digital package of the complete film with all the extra features and deleted scenes
- Exclusive streaming link available 30-60 days before the film's theatrical release
- Downloadable link after the theatrical release of the film
- Social media thank yous!
(Due to limited space on our set this incentive is not available as part of our incentives credit program)
Claimed: 1 of 10
$5,000
Supreme Court Judge
Get an Executive Producer's credit and get a close up shot of yourself in the audience that will make it into the final cut of the film!
Plus:
- Join us at our wrap party.
- Get a free pass to our set (lodging and transportation not included), where you can watch the film get made, converse with the cast and crew and meet Eric's Garner's wife Esaw
- Walk the red carpet with us at one of the film festivals the film will be screened at (transportation and lodging not included) and enjoy a pampering VIP gift bag given to you in person by the film's director
- A commemorative courtroom drawing of a scene from the film.
- A postcard from the set with a personalized thank you from the cast and crew.
- Delux digital package of the complete film with all the extra features and deleted scenes.
- An exclusive streaming link available 30-60 days before the film's theatrical release. A Downloadable link after the theatrical release of the film.
- Social Media Thank Yous!
(Due to limited space on our set this incentive is not available as part of our incentive credit program)
Claimed: 1 of 10
$10,000
Member of the Jury
Be a member of our jury and appear in the film as one of the jurors! Transportation from anywhere in the US plus lodging in New York for two nights for you +1 during the dates of production in June
Plus:- Join us at our wrap party
- Get a free pass to our set, where you can watch the film get made, converse with the cast & crew and meet Eric's Garner's wife Esaw
- Walk the red carpet with us at the world premier the film (transportation and lodging not included) and enjoy a pampering VIP gift bag given to you in person by the film's director
- A commemorative courtroom drawing of a scene from the film.
- A postcard from the set with a personalized thank you from the cast and crew.
- Delux digital package of the complete film with all the extra features and deleted scenes.
- An exclusive streaming link available 30-60 days before the film's theatrical release.
- Downloadable link after the theatrical release of the film.
Social Media Thank Yous
(Due to limited seating availability this incentive is not availabe as part of our incentive credit program)
Claimed: 0 of 10
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$5
Citizen
We know that a lot of people supporting this film have limited resources and our biggest thank you goes to those who make the biggest effort even if the contribution itself is more modest. You will receive a personal thank you email from the director of the film.
We also want to encourage you to tell your friends about us, so for every email that you send to a friend or a family member asking them to contribute to our campaign (and cc [email protected]) we will give you a $1 credit toward one of our incentives. You may not be able to afford $100 and get our delux digital package, but maybe you can contribute $5 and send out 95 emails. If you'd be interested in doing that, please write to us and let us know, so we can instruct and support you in spreading the word.
$25
Paralegal
A free streaming link you can use to watch the film in the comfort of your own home
Plus:
- Social media thank yous!
We also want to encourage you to tell your friends about us, so for every email that you send to a friend or a family member asking them to contribute to our campaign (and cc [email protected]) we will give you a $1 credit toward one of our incentives. You may not be able to afford $100 and get our delux digital package, but maybe you can contribute $5 and send out 95 emails. If you'd be interested in doing that, please write to us and let us know, so we can instruct and support you in spreading the word.
$50
First Year Law Student
An exclusive streaming link available 30-60 days before the film's theatrical release
Plus:
- Social media thank yous!
We also want to encourage you to tell your friends about us, so for every email that you send to a friend or a family member asking them to contribute to our campaign (and cc [email protected]) we will give you a $1 credit toward one of our incentives. You may not be able to afford $100 and get our delux digital package, but maybe you can contribute $5 and send out 95 emails. If you'd be interested in doing that, please write to us and let us know, so we can instruct and support you in spreading the word.
$75
Second Year Law Student
A commemorative postcard from the set with a personalized thank you signed by the cast and crew
Plus:
- An exclusive streaming link available 30-60 days before the film's theatrical release
- Social media thank yous!
We also want to encourage you to tell your friends about us, so for every email that you send to a friend or family member asking them to contribute to our campaign (and cc [email protected]) we will give you a $1.00 credit toward one of our incentives.
You may not be able to afford $100 and get our delux digital package, but maybe you can contribute $75 and send out 25 emails. If you'd be interested in doing that, please write to us and let us know, so we can send you the full instructions about our incentives credit program.
$100
Third Year Law Student
Downloadable Digital Package Delux including the unreleased director's cut of the film, extra features, interviews and other deleted scenes.
Plus:
- Personalized thank you postcard from the set signed by the cast and crew
- An exclusive streaming link available 30-60 days before the film's theatrical release
- Social media thank yous!
$150
The Bar
A commemorative courtroom drawing of a scene from the film sent to you on a high quality parchment paper, numbered and signed by the artist!
Plus:
- Delux digital package of the complete film with all the extra features and deleted scenes
- Personalized thank you postcard from the set signed by the cast and crew
- Exclusive streaming link available 30-60 days before the film's theatrical release
- Downloadable link after the theatrical release of the film
- Social media thank yous!
Claimed: 1 of 500
$200
Lawyer
Invitation to sit in our courtroom in New York City and be a member of our audience for half a shooting day (not including transportation and lodging)
Plus:
- A commemorative courtroom drawing of a scene from the film
- Personalized thank you postcard from the set signed by the cast and crew
- Delux digital package of the complete film with all the extra features and deleted scenes
- Exclusive streaming link available 30-60 days before the film's theatrical release
- Downloadable link after the theatrical release of the film
- Social media thank yous!
(Due to limited seating availability this incentive is not availabe as part of our incentive credit program)
Claimed: 1 of 200
$400
Junior Partner
Invitation to a private cast and crew screening of the film in New York (transportation and lodging not included)
Plus:
- A commemorative courtroom drawing of a scene from the film
- Personalized thank you postcard from the set signed by the cast and crew
- Delux digital package of the complete film with all the extra features and deleted scenes
- An exclusive streaming link available 30-60 days before the film's theatrical release
- Downloadable link after the theatrical release of the film
- Social media thank yous!
(Due to limited seating availability this incentive is not available as part of our incentives credit program)
Claimed: 0 of 100
$800
Senior Partner
Walk the red carpet with us at the world premier of the film (transportation and lodging not included) and enjoy a pampering VIP gift bag given to you in person by the film's director
Plus:- A commemorative courtroom drawing of a scene from the film
- Personalized thank you postcard from the set signed by the cast and crew
- Delux digital package of the complete film with all the extra features and deleted scenes
- Exclusive streaming link available 30-60 days before the film's theatrical release
- Downloadable link after the theatrical release of the film
- Social media thank yous!
(Due to limited seating availability this incentive is not available as part of our incentives credit program)
Claimed: 0 of 20
$1,000
Public Defender
Your NAME on the special thank yous of the film credits and our IMDB page
Plus:
- Walk the red carpet with us at one of the film festivals the film will be screened at (transportation and lodging not included)
- A pampering VIP gift bag given to you in person by the film's director.
- A commemorative courtroom drawing of a scene from the film
- Personalized thank you postcard from the set signed by the cast and crew
- Delux digital package of the complete film with all the extra features and deleted scenes
- An exclusive streaming link available 30-60 days before the film's theatrical release
- Downloadable link after the theatrical release of the film,
- Social media thank yous!
$1,500
District Attorney
Get an Associate Producer's credit and get a free pass to our set (lodging and transportation not included), where you can watch a film get made, converse with the cast and crew and meet Eric's Garner's wife Esaw
Plus:- Walk the red carpet with us at one of the film festivals the film will be screened at (transportation and lodging not included) and enjoy a pampering VIP gift bag given to you in person by the film's director.
- A commemorative courtroom drawing of a scene from the film.
- Personalized thank you postcard from the set signed by the cast and crew
- Delux digital package of the complete film with all the extra features and deleted scenes
- An exclusive streaming link available 30-60 days before the film's theatrical release
- Downloadable link after the theatrical release of the film,
- Social media thank yous!
(Due to limited space on our set this incentive is not available as part of our incentives credit program)
Claimed: 0 of 10
$2,500
Attorney General
Get a Co-Producer's credit and join us at our wrap party!
Plus:
- Get a free pass to our set (lodging and transportation not included), where you can watch a film get made, converse with the cast and crew and meet Eric's Garner's wife Esaw
- Walk the red carpet with us at one of the film festivals the film will be screened at (transportation and lodging not included) and enjoy a pampering VIP gift bag given to you in person by the film's director
- A commemorative courtroom drawing of a scene from the film
Personalized thank you postcard from the set signed by the cast and crew - Delux digital package of the complete film with all the extra features and deleted scenes
- Exclusive streaming link available 30-60 days before the film's theatrical release
- Downloadable link after the theatrical release of the film
- Social media thank yous!
(Due to limited space on our set this incentive is not available as part of our incentives credit program)
Claimed: 1 of 10
$5,000
Supreme Court Judge
Get an Executive Producer's credit and get a close up shot of yourself in the audience that will make it into the final cut of the film!
Plus:
- Join us at our wrap party.
- Get a free pass to our set (lodging and transportation not included), where you can watch the film get made, converse with the cast and crew and meet Eric's Garner's wife Esaw
- Walk the red carpet with us at one of the film festivals the film will be screened at (transportation and lodging not included) and enjoy a pampering VIP gift bag given to you in person by the film's director
- A commemorative courtroom drawing of a scene from the film.
- A postcard from the set with a personalized thank you from the cast and crew.
- Delux digital package of the complete film with all the extra features and deleted scenes.
- An exclusive streaming link available 30-60 days before the film's theatrical release. A Downloadable link after the theatrical release of the film.
- Social Media Thank Yous!
(Due to limited space on our set this incentive is not available as part of our incentive credit program)
Claimed: 1 of 10
$10,000
Member of the Jury
Be a member of our jury and appear in the film as one of the jurors! Transportation from anywhere in the US plus lodging in New York for two nights for you +1 during the dates of production in June
Plus:- Join us at our wrap party
- Get a free pass to our set, where you can watch the film get made, converse with the cast & crew and meet Eric's Garner's wife Esaw
- Walk the red carpet with us at the world premier the film (transportation and lodging not included) and enjoy a pampering VIP gift bag given to you in person by the film's director
- A commemorative courtroom drawing of a scene from the film.
- A postcard from the set with a personalized thank you from the cast and crew.
- Delux digital package of the complete film with all the extra features and deleted scenes.
- An exclusive streaming link available 30-60 days before the film's theatrical release.
- Downloadable link after the theatrical release of the film.
Social Media Thank Yous
(Due to limited seating availability this incentive is not availabe as part of our incentive credit program)
Claimed: 0 of 10
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Roee Messinger (Director)
The son of a Swiss father and an Argentine mother, Roee was born in Israel, raised in Mexico and educated in the United States. In May 2015 Roee graduated from the MFA Program at City College of New York under a sponsorship of the prestigious Fulbright Fellowship for international students. His award-winning thesis film Drifting had a successful run on the festival circuit. Roee has worked as a film specialist at the Harlem Children Zone before committing his full time to the development and production of American Trial which will be his directorial debut on a feature film.
Aharon Rothschild (Director of Photography)
Aharon’s first feature as Director of Photography - Khwaabb (2014, Dir. Zaid Khan), received a wide theatrical release in India. Aharon recently wrapped up the shooting of Landing Up (2016, Dir. Dani Tenenbaum), a visceral feature film about homelessness, shot on location in New York City. Aharon’s experience as a journalist, photographer and videographer is very important to his work on American Trial. Aharon also works as a colorist and has 29 feature film credits to his name. Three of the films he colored this year have been officially selected to the Tribeca International Film Festival.
Julie Rendelman (Defense Attorney)
As an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn, Julie has investigated and prosecuted hundreds of criminal cases. She quickly earned her reputation as a tough and tenacious trial attorney. While in the office, Julie was lead counsel in over 60 felony jury trials that involved a wide variety of crimes, from drug offenses to sex crimes to homicides. Julie quickly rose to the level of Senior Trial Attorney and was eventually promoted to the elite Homicide Bureau, where she became the Deputy Bureau Chief. Julie then opened her own practice, the Law Offices of Julie Rendelman, LLC. Julie’s vast experience as a prosecutor has given her a unique first-hand perspective of how prosecutors develop and investigate their cases, which is key to mounting a strong defense.
Priya Chaudhry (Defense Attorney)
Priya is a partner of trial firm Harris, St. Laurent & Chaudhry LLP. With over 30 jury trials in some of the nation’s most complicated and high-profile criminal cases, Priya’s formidable 16 year career in criminal defense wins regular recognition. Priya defends her clients’ rights zealously, creatively and intelligently, regardless of the charges leveled against them. Her excellent reputation for the exceptional preparation of each case has earned her great respect from the jury bench, her colleagues and a her adversaries.
Thomas Kenniff and Steven Raiser (Prosecutors)
Thomas and Steven are the founding partners at Raiser & Kenniff, P.C., one of New York metropolitan area’s preeminent criminal defense and civil rights law firms. In the past 10 years they have handled some of the most high profile criminal cases in the metropolitan area. Their practice areas focus on defending those accused of criminal offenses in both federal and state courts. They have received recognition as top criminal lawyers in numerous publications. They are both veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and recipients of numerous commendations, and both started their careers as military prosecutors.
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