Watch Bernice

Based on a true story, Bernice is a heartwarming tale of love and redemption that follows the life of a young man named Troy Abbott, who is convicted of a crime he did not commit. Set in rural Florida and based on the real-life experiences of the film's director, Sally Anderson, Bernice takes us on an emotional journey as Troy tries to navigate the harsh realities of prison life while struggling to maintain his innocence.

The film opens with a shot of Troy in his prison cell, looking despondent and defeated. Flashbacks show us how he ended up there: he was driving home with his girlfriend after a night out when they were pulled over by the police. A search of his car turned up a stolen gun, and Troy was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Despite his protests of innocence, he was found guilty and sentenced to five years in prison.

As Troy begins his sentence, he finds himself surrounded by hardened criminals who have no patience for his claims of innocence. He struggles to adjust to life behind bars, but finds solace in his artwork, which he creates using materials he scavenges from around the prison. One day, he sees a flyer for an art contest being held by a local museum, and decides to enter. With the help of a sympathetic guard, he manages to get his artwork out of the prison and into the hands of the museum curator.

Meanwhile, on the outside, Troy's girlfriend Maria is trying to clear his name. She hires a private investigator to look into the case, and he uncovers new evidence that could exonerate Troy. But the roadblocks they face in the legal system are insurmountable, and it seems that Troy will be stuck in prison for the duration of his sentence.

As Troy's artwork gains recognition, he begins to make new connections with the people around him. He befriends an older inmate named Enrique, who teaches him about the power of forgiveness and redemption. Maria also starts to visit him regularly, and their love for each other gives Troy the strength to keep going.

But the real turning point comes when the museum curator decides to mount an exhibition of Troy's work. The media attention it generates brings renewed interest to Troy's case, and finally, after years of fighting, a judge agrees to hear new evidence. Troy's conviction is overturned, and he is finally able to walk free.

Bernice is a moving and uplifting film that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of injustice. Troy's story is an inspiration to all of us, showing that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better tomorrow. With its powerful performances, sensitive direction, and gorgeous cinematography, Bernice is a must-see for anyone who believes in the power of redemption.

Bernice is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 30 minutes.