Institute History
Description
Audience Award: U.S. Dramatic, Presented by Acura
Saturday, January 28, 9:45 p.m., Eccles Theatre, Park City
Sunday, January 29, 6:00 p.m., Eccles Theatre, Park City
Best of Fest: Monday, January 30, 9:30 p.m., Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, Salt Lake City
On April 10, 1980, a shot rang out on the streets of Crown Heights, igniting a decades-long quest for justice in this harrowing true story. Colin Warner, played with heartbreaking sincerity by Lakeith Stanfield, is arrested and tried for a crime he did not commit, a victim of a deeply broken system that refuses to listen. Quick to throw him away, the court wrongfully convicts him. But as Colin loses hope to reclaim an innocence that has been cast aside, his best friend, Carl King, devotes his life to restoring Colin's freedom, doggedly pursuing every lead for years.
Writer/director Matt Ruskin, who worked closely to earn the trust of the real Colin Warner, imbues this film with a gifted touch and emotional authenticity to shed light on a painful personal story—and on a horrifying systemic issue. Anchored by Stanfield, an indie film secret weapon, Crown Heights unfolds as a powerful ode to those we leave behind.