Pacem Film Festival—The Best Peace and Justice Films of the Last 50 Years
Discussant: Sally Milbury-Steen, Ph.D.; founder of Delaware Citizens Opposed to the Death Penalty and PhD in Contemporary Literature
Dead Man Walking (1995), based on the book by Sister Helen Prejean C.S.J., considers redemption and the death penalty in this emotionally-charged film which details the relationship between Louisiana death row inmate Matthew Poncelet and Sister Helen, his spiritual advisor. As Sister Helen fights for Poncelet’s death sentence to be communicated to life imprisonment, the two develop a bond. She urges him to take responsibility for the crimes upon his execution, and Poncelet admits to the killing of the young couple and conveys to their families his hopes his death will bring them peace.
For more information, see the Pacem in Terris 50th Anniversary Film Series flyer.
